Denny Hamlin Reveals How Michael Jordan Fueled His Cup Redemption After 2025 Heartbreak

The NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday at Pocono witnessed another masterclass performance from Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin. He secured his third straight win of the year, marking four overall wins and had reduced to the points gap to championship leader Tyler Reddick to just 19 points, the closer anyone has been to the 23XI Racing driver in 2026.

One key reason behind the veteran’s success the motivation he got from NBA legend and 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan, who is his close friend alongside being a business partner. On his podcast, the TRD driver revealed the MJ showing his interest about a redemption in 2026, after the 2025 championship loss at Phoniex, alongside the tragic death of his dad, motivated him.

So, I forget the context, but he just brought up myself and it was right after all the bad stuff had happened and he’s like, ‘Yeah, I’m interested to see what Denny does and what does he do from last year? Does he respond or does he fold up tent?’ or something like that.

Denny Hamlin said on his podcast.

Further talking about the point, he revealed how the moment gave him the extra fuel to work hard in the off-season and make a comeback, that so far has earned him four wins. Denny Hamlin was determined to give everything to fight again for the title this year, after the off-season tragedies and Michael Jordan indirect words was enough to make a difference.

So, at that point I’m just back of the room… OK. Sometimes things like that is all you need to fuel you. I’ve got enough fuel inside of me anyway. I’m a competitor, right? I love to compete, no matter what it is. It feels good.

Denny Hamlin added via Actions Detrimental podcast.

Denny Hamlin admits Michael Jordan wasn’t actually challenging him

Further explaining the context, the JGR veteran asserted that MJ wasn’t talking to him specifically at the moment, not giving him a challenge. But the off-season pep-talk had a unintended positive impact of the No:11 Toyota driver.

He just, he was more speaking to the general crowd. He wasn’t necessarily speaking to me. He wasn’t challenging me. But I saw it as a challenge. For context for those who don’t know, he addressed the team in the offseason.

Denny Hamlin said.

Furthermore, the veteran asserted that they meeting saw they discuss the expectations for the 2026 season, after the charter lawsuit chaos came to an end. The talk seems to have had a strong impact on everyone involved in the 23XI garage, as they are the championship front-runners.

We talked as ownership, we wanted to talk to 23XI about what our expectations were, where we want to see our team, how we expect our guys to work together, all those things… I think we were — I don’t know the full context, I don’t remember exactly how it got brought up. It might have been talking about adversity, like these races never go as planned. So, what, now what? What’s your next best move, right?

Denny Hamlin added.

MJ was beyond disappointed with Hamlin failing to win the 2025 season finale as for years he has been one of the biggest supporters of the No:11 team. If Reddick doesn’t win the title this year, there is only driver the NBA wants to see with the Bill France Cup, his close friend.

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