Denny Hamlin solidified his future Monday, signing a multiyear contract extension with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) to continue behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota.
But what about the future of 23XI Racing, in which Hamlin is a co-owner of alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan? Hamlin addressed just that during his “Actions Detrimental” podcast.
“23XI will continue its relationship with Toyota into the future,” Hamlin said. “Nothing really changes. We’re going to continue on the path that we’ve been on. It was my goal to make that a championship organization within five years. We’re gonna continue on that trajectory. I think that we’re in a good spot. Our relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing is in a good spot. This kind of solidifies all those deals as done.”
Hamlin, who has been with JGR for 18 full-time seasons, was set to be out of a contract after the 2023 Cup Series season before striking a new deal. Hamlin, 42, has been a model of consistency during his time with JGR, notching 50 wins and finishing in the top-10 of the final points standings in all but three seasons. A three-time Daytona 500 winner, Hamlin remains in search of his first Cup Series championship.
“Joe Gibbs Racing has been my home for almost 20 years now,” Hamlin said. ”My relationship with Joe [Gibbs], my team, and everyone at JGR means a lot to me. We have accomplished so much together over the years. I’m excited to finally announce this so we can put all our focus on chasing the championship.”
Denny Hamlin off to rough start in NASCAR Cup Series playoffs
In the first Cup Series playoff race Sunday, the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway, Hamlin finished 25th. Hamlin led 177 laps and swept both Stages 1 and 2 before an additional green-flag pit stop on Lap 274 doomed his chances at making it to victory lane. He felt he had a loose wheel, resulting in the extra pit stop. Hamlin fell a lap down before getting collected in a five-car wreck on Lap 331.
“It’s really tough to tell in anything, but they looked, and it looked like the left rear was still tightening as we were gone,” Hamlin said after the race, via RACER. “So, it’s close enough to where it didn’t matter what I felt, I was going to crash if I kept going. So, had to bring it in and just turned the day upside down.”