Denny Hamlin discusses his difficulty juggling the competing responsibilities he plays in NASCAR in an episode of the Netflix documentary series NASCAR: Full Speed. Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing with NBA great Michael Jordan and is a recognized driver for Joe Gibbs Racing’s No. 11 car, is torn between his commercial obligations and his competitive nature. Hamlin’s observations about this struggle, especially in the later half of the 2023 regular season, inform the plot. His loyalties took center stage as he competed for playoff spots with his teammate Ty Gibbs at Joe Gibbs Racing and his driver Bubba Wallace at 23XI Racing. “This is the first time we’ve ever had a real conflict,” Hamlin clarified.
However, I simply want to be absolutely open about my loyalty, which may clearly irritate some individuals. But if I want to lead the squad I own, it’s the correct thing to do.” “Now we know where Denny stands on that,” Bubba Wallace said, acknowledging the clarity that had been provided to the situation.’Hey, I’m not helping out my team,’ is a difficult situation for him. I’m supporting my group.” The basic assistance that Joe Gibbs Racing gave to 23XI Racing further complicates the complexities of his two positions.
“I said, ‘Guys, I’m going to ask y’all a very serious question: Is there any opportunity for me to own a piece of Joe Gibbs Racing?'” Hamlin clarified in a 2024 interview with Kenny Wallace. I’m quite intrigued. Additionally, Joe was getting older at the time and said, “I don’t think so.””If there isn’t a place for me to have ownership here at JGR, I just want to know for sure because I think I’m going to make a move.”I want to make sure you guys are okay with me doing this alone, but I would love to continue the tradition that Joe Gibbs has left me and the way he manages his squad.
‘But I’m going to need your help,’ I added [to JGR]. “We pay them a fee and a hefty fee every single year to gather all this information that those 400 employees put together,”At 23XI we have about 100. I would need to hire 200–300 more people to have the infrastructure that JGR has. We would need a lot more money from Toyota. Therefore, they are content with their agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing in place of that. “It’s doublefold, but we will always be thankful for it. In addition to improving my team, it generates resources to speed up my 11 automobile.
