Denny Hamlin has openly addressed 23XI Racing expectations for the 2026 NASCAR season, emphasizing that while progress is clear, the team is not yet ready to join NASCAR’s so-called elite. Despite outstanding early results, Hamlin maintains a measured perspective as the organization, co-owned with Michael Jordan, continues its rapid rise.
Strong Start for 23XI Racing in 2026
23XI Racing has burst out of the gate this season, capturing significant attention across the paddock. Tyler Reddick secured two high-profile victories—first winning the Daytona 500, then following it up with another win at Atlanta’s Autotrader 400. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace has been consistently competitive, leading 40 laps at Daytona before finishing 10th, and banking key points at Atlanta by finishing second in Stage 1 and performing well in Stage 2.
Wallace’s racecraft has shown continuous improvement, but he faced challenges as the Atlanta race reached its final moments. After attempting to block a late move from Carson Hocevar, Wallace lost momentum and was eventually overtaken, finishing eighth. These moments highlight both the potential and hurdles the team faces as it aims for the sport’s upper echelon.
Hamlin Maintains Cautious Outlook Amid Team Success
Denny Hamlin addressed the media following recent races, seeking to temper the growing excitement around 23XI Racing’s rise. While the team is performing well against NASCAR giants such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske, Hamlin remains realistic about their position in the wider competitive landscape.
When asked about including 23XI Racing alongside the established “big three,” Hamlin responded,
“It’s too early for that. I mean, we’re many wins and championships away from that. There’s no question that we’re building fast cars and cars that are capable of winning week in, week out. We don’t always hit the setup or things like that, but we’re working hard.”
– Denny Hamlin, Co-owner and Driver
Hamlin further commented on the team’s journey in reference to its rapid creation and ascent in less than a decade, saying,
“This team being nonexistent six years ago is just amazing that we’re able to do what we did with building this thing from scratch and now having the results week in, week out that is contending with the big guys,”
– Denny Hamlin, Co-owner and Driver
Even with both Reddick and Wallace currently occupying the top two spots in the standings, Hamlin maintained his stance, adding,
“Yeah, it’s very early, but it’s not by circumstance. They’re running up front. They’re fast. Again, just doing a lot of the right things. We’re making up for lost time.”
– Denny Hamlin, Co-owner and Driver
Building Depth and Positioning for Future Championships
23XI Racing’s ability to field multiple cars at the front of the pack shows how far the team has come since its origin. While last season lacked the victories the group had hoped for, the current campaign demonstrates clear improvement, with both Reddick and Wallace frequently in contention. When Wallace’s race strategy didn’t pay off, Reddick was there to seize the opportunity for the team, signaling strong internal depth.
Joe Gibbs’ continued association with the team underscores its competitive pace, while veterans like Hamlin and up-and-coming drivers help bridge experience and fresh energy. That combination is fueling optimism, even as Hamlin keeps public expectations in check.
Looking Ahead for 23XI Racing
Though 23XI Racing has quickly asserted itself as a formidable force, Hamlin’s insistence on patience and hard work reflects his long-term commitment to making the organization a perennial contender. With the speed of Reddick and Wallace’s consistency, 23XI is establishing itself as a serious player, but Hamlin’s grounded approach signals that the journey toward joining the very top tier of NASCAR continues.
