Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, has addressed the mounting challenges facing the team as the NASCAR Cup Series nears the postseason. With Tyler Reddick struggling to maintain playoff momentum and Bubba Wallace showing notable improvement, Hamlin’s insights into the team’s overall performance reveal a complex picture of progress and obstacles.
Analyzing the Challenges Behind 23XI Racing’s Playoff Push
<pAs the 2025 NASCAR season unfolds, 23XI Racing is grappling with inconsistent results, particularly between its two key drivers. Hamlin conceded that the overall speed this year has not matched the previous season, yet praised Bubba Wallace’s evident progress on the track. He remarked,
“The speed’s been okay, I don’t think speed’s been as good as what it was last year. Now, companywide, Bubba’s performing better than he was last year. So did the cars get better, or did Bubba get better? Riley, it’s just too hard to tell because of the inexperience.”
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-owner
Hamlin also weighed the impact of expanding 23XI Racing to a three-car team this season. While such growth can complicate resources and strategy, he maintained that the additional entry has provided valuable support rather than strain. As he explained,
“it added resources. It seems like a 45 thing, I don’t know if it’s a company thing because the 23 is having another career year, every year is a new bar.”
—Denny Hamlin
The recent Richmond Raceway event was a turning point for 23XI Racing’s playoff hopes. Tyler Reddick, a former regular-season points leader, was competitive and led laps but suffered a damaging collision that severely diminished his chances of advancing. Conversely, Bubba Wallace sustained his strong trajectory, notably winning the prestigious Brickyard 400 earlier this season. This victory not only snapped Wallace’s 100-race winless streak but also guaranteed his participation in the NASCAR playoffs, marking a historic achievement as the first diverse driver to win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Hamlin’s reflections on these developments are grounded in race data and season-long performance trends. While Reddick’s season has been somewhat turbulent, the introduction of their third car seems to be enhancing the team’s resources and capacity. Hamlin’s candid assessment underscores both uncertainty and hope as 23XI Racing strives to optimize results going forward, particularly as he contemplates a fuller transition from driver to team owner following the conclusion of his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Concerns Over NASCAR’s Upcoming 2026 Schedule Reveal Lack of Team Input
Alongside discussions about 23XI Racing’s performance, Denny Hamlin has openly criticized NASCAR’s unilateral approach to releasing the 2026 racing schedule. Speaking on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin pointed out that key decisions about venues such as Iowa, Chicagoland, and San Diego are being made without collaboration from drivers or teams.
He commented on the secrecy and piecemeal leaks surrounding the calendar, stating,
“Some of this schedule stuff is slowly leaking out… Iowa is in limbo… Chicagoland, no Chicago [Street Race], San Diego is in,”
—Denny Hamlin.
Hamlin was particularly blunt about the lack of involvement from participants, asserting,
“As much as they talk about collaboration, NASCAR doesn’t collaborate at all with the teams, drivers, or anyone on the schedule. We have nothing to do with it, no input, no nothing. Whatever it is, it’s what they came up with,”
—Denny Hamlin.
Speculation remains about changes to traditional events, including the possibility of a championship weekend at Homestead-Miami, a street race in San Diego, and a return to Chicagoland Speedway. Rumors also suggest the All-Star Race may shift to Dover, with Mexico City potentially removed from the schedule. These shifts may create space for a points race at North Wilkesboro, an historic venue making a comeback.
Besides voicing concerns about the process, Hamlin suggested that eliminating the All-Star Race could provide teams with much-needed rest during the demanding schedule. His remarks highlight ongoing frustrations around the lack of driver and team consultation as NASCAR finalizes its calendar, an issue that could affect competitive readiness and rider welfare.
Implications for 23XI Racing and the Broader NASCAR Landscape
Denny Hamlin’s reflections on 23XI Racing’s evolving dynamics underscore the tensions within a high-stakes competitive environment. Tyler Reddick’s struggles, contrasted with Bubba Wallace’s breakthrough, reveal the challenges of balancing driver development with machinery performance across a three-car team. The pressure intensifies as the playoffs approach, leaving the squad to reconcile growth opportunities with the immediate need for results.
Hamlin’s possible full retirement from driving to focus on team ownership also marks a pivotal shift for 23XI Racing’s leadership structure. His eyes on the future suggest that both driver performance and organizational strategy will be critical to the team’s ongoing success.
Meanwhile, the broader concern over NASCAR’s top-down approach to scheduling foreshadows potential unrest in the sport’s governance. Without greater collaboration from drivers and teams, the risk of misaligned priorities and logistical challenges may rise in coming seasons. As Hamlin’s candid stance gains attention, it may prompt calls for more transparent and inclusive decision-making processes in NASCAR.
