In the NASCAR Cup Series, team ownership often follows years of planning and negotiation. For Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, it started differently. A false report about the two joining forces led to a real conversation that changed their careers.
Hamlin shared the story during an appearance on CBS Mornings, explaining how a simple message turned into a business decision. At the time, he was considering ownership but had not finalized any plans.
Jordan had no confirmed involvement in NASCAR ownership. That changed quickly after one exchange. Within a short time, that moment led to the creation of one of the most competitive teams in the garage.
NASCAR Cup Series Fake Report Leads to Real Conversation
Hamlin said the process began when he came across an inaccurate article. “I saw an article that wasn’t true. Says Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are looking to purchase a NASCAR team… I saw the article and sent it to him. He says, ‘Not real, but if you want to make it real, let me know.’”
The report mentioned interest in Richard Petty Motorsports, but no deal was in place at that time. Hamlin still chose to send it to Jordan as a joke.
He followed up with another message. “So I sent him the article and said, ‘Hey, it looks like we’re going into business together,’” Denny said. Michael responded, “Haha… Obviously, fake news. Not real. But if you want to make it real news, let me know.”
Hamlin asked for clarity. “I said, ‘What do you mean?’ He says, ‘Well, are you going to be a team owner or not?’ I said, ‘Given the right situation, yes.’ He says, ‘Well, if you want a partner, let me know.’”
Denny Hamlin Explains How 23XI Racing Took Shape
The conversation quickly moved forward. Hamlin explained, “So, I said, ‘I think owning a NASCAR team is the right move for me. I just need the right partner.’ And of course, I say, ‘Well, here’s this opportunity.’ He says, ‘I’m in.’”
Soon after, 23XI Racing was formed. The team name combines Jordan’s No. 23 and Hamlin’s No. 11. It began full-time competition in 2021 with Bubba Wallace as its first driver.
The team expanded its lineup and results over the next few seasons. Tyler Reddick delivered a major result in 2024 by winning the regular-season championship and reaching the Championship Four. In 2026, he opened the season with multiple wins and moved to the top of the standings early in the year.
Michael Jordan’s Role in Team Growth On and Off the Track
23XI Racing also took part in a major off-track development. In 2024, the team joined Front Row Motorsports in a legal case involving NASCAR’s charter system. The teams raised concerns about how the system operated.
The case ended in December 2025. The outcome restored the teams’ charters and included compensation. Jordan later said he was prepared to leave the sport during the process if necessary.
From a false report to an established organization, the team’s start followed a clear timeline. One message led to a discussion, and that discussion led to action. Today, 23XI Racing continues to compete at a high level in the Cup Series.
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