Why is Denny Hamlin not racing for 23XI Racing? Everything you should know

Veteran NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is the co-owner of 23XI Racing, alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan. Hamlin manages a unique co-owner/driver dynamic, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing while competing on track against his own 23XI drivers.

23XI Racing began operations in 2021, fielding a single entry and forming a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing. Bubba Wallace has been with the team since its inception, with Tyler Reddick joining in 2023. Despite the team's impressive progress over the years, Hamlin remains hesitant to drive for his team.

In a conversation with Kevin Harvick earlier this year, Hamlin emphasized that he wishes to end his full-time career at Joe Gibbs Racing, as a gesture of loyalty to Coach Gibbs. Hamlin made his Cup debut in the #11 entry in 2005 and has been with the team for 19 full-time seasons, securing 54 wins.

The 43-year-old also expressed his desire to race for 23XI Racing, strongly indicating that he plans to compete for his team at some point in his career.

"There's a few hesitations I have. One is that I want to end my career with Joe Gibbs Racing because I want to be loyal to the person that gave me my start. But yes, there is a part of me that wants to drive for 23XI, absolutely. I think, without doubt, I'll say that I'll certainly be racing at 23XI in at least a race at some point in my career," he said on the Happy Hour Podcast. [39:00 onwards]

Denny Hamlin signed a multi-year contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2023. According to a Fox Sports report, 23XI Racing is working to expand into a three-car organization amid the charter negotiation drama; however, Hamlin is unlikely to drive the new entry.

The 43-year-old continues to oversee the day-to-day operations of 23XI Racing while pursuing his elusive maiden championship with Joe Gibbs Racing.

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Denny Hamlin elaborates on other factors influencing his decision

Denny Hamlin elaborated on his hesitation to drive for 23XI Racing, explaining that establishing a competitive third entry will take a few years. He acknowledged that while the team is as fast as Joe Gibbs Racing, assembling a competitive pit crew, crew chief, and engineers requires time and effort.

"I think it would take a few years because you've got to have a pit crew, too. The pit crew is such a big part of the results nowadays. The only advantage to that now, though, is that the cars are so similar. I'm very confident in the speed of the cars. The 23XI is just as fast as Joe Gibbs Racing is, but there's so many other elements that play into the result that would take a few years to get," he said on the above-mentioned podcast. [from 38:20]

Joe Gibbs Racing is a premier organization that offers Denny Hamlin the opportunity to compete for race wins and the championship. As Hamlin approaches the latter years of his career, driving for the right team becomes increasingly crucial for his pursuit of a Cup championship.

23XI Racing can contend for championships, with Tyler Reddick winning the 2024 regular season title. While Hamlin hopes to drive for his team at some point, it remains uncertain whether this will occur before his full-time retirement.