Michael Jordan declares “CLOWN” Denny Hamlin earned the right to win NASCAR Cup Series title

23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan has shared his thoughts on prowess of his fellow owner and JGR veteran Denny Hamlin.

Michael Jordan declares “CLOWN” Denny Hamlin earned the right to win NASCAR Cup Series title

Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan (Via IMAGO)

Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin produced one of the best races of his career, winning his second race of the 2025 season at the Darlington Throwback weekend. It marked his 56th career win in the top-tier and having his close friend as well business partner Michael Jordan it attendance to see him succeed made it a special moment.

Before the race, the NBA legend spoke highly of his 23XI Racing co-owner, while also talking some hilarious shots at him. Michael Jordan pointed out that Denny Hamlin often acts out as a clown, or a performer but at the same time is a confident person, driver, who has the same level of competitiveness in him.

YouTube video

He is a clown, but that’s him. That’s Denny. He’s a very confident driver. He is a very confident person. His competitive juice is no different than mine.

Michael Jordan said ahead of Goodyear 400.

The 6 times NBA champion was glad to see the JGR veteran back on victory lane at Martinsville after a long break and admitted that he really wants to see Hamlin finally winning the Cup champion, that he has been chasing for almost two decades. He believes the three times Daytona 500 has earned the right to win the title.

I mean, I love that he’s gotten back to winning and, you know, he wants – I want him to win a championship so badly because I think he’s earned that, you know, because of what he’s done for the sport for so long. And he’s gonna grind it out.

Michael Jordan added.

He also addressed how Hamlin is often the driver that gets booed the most on race track, owing to him embracing the NASCAR villain persona. Jordan pointed out to the No:11 team haters that the more they boo Hamlin, the better he gets on the race track as Hamlin is naturally a good competitor.

That’s just the way Denny is and if you boo him, that makes him better. You know, you boo me, that makes me better. I mean, that’s just the nature of a good competitor.

Michael Jordan asserted.

Denny Hamlin keeps some of his race win trophies at Airspeed

Though Jordan hasn’t gotten the opportunities to share the Cup title with Hamlin, he has the opportunity to cherish the veterans race win. The JGR driver via his latest podcast episode had revealed that of his 56 trophies, almost 60-65% are currently kept in the 23XI Racing race shop, Airspeed.

Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin (Via newsminimalist.com)

I’ve had to spread them out quite a bit. I got probably 15 percent of trophies at my office now at 23XI. I’ve got probably 30-40 percent somewhere in that range kind of near the bowling alley. Then I got some over by the basketball court.

Denny Hamlin said.

They rest of the trophies as well as the all the grandfather clock he has won is either is in garage or is spread over many places with people close to him. The comments show how Hamlin shares his success with people close to him.

It’s spread out, and I got some stuff that’s in the garage. The clocks, they’re spread out all over the place. Different people have them.

Denny Hamlin added.

It seems Denny Hamlin is expanding his legacy with 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan, making changes to the sport in his final years as a racer and potentially after retirement. It will be interesting to see how 23XI will evolve as a team under the leadership of Hamlin.