The NASCAR community is unsettled after Denny Hamlin revealed that a prominent figure within the sport told him Michael Jordan “does nothing for the sport.” This statement, shared recently during Hamlin’s podcast, sparked widespread discussion among fans and insiders about Jordan’s role and influence. NASCAR Director of Race Communications Mike Forde publicly denied being the individual who made this remark amid growing speculation online.
Details Behind the Controversial Statement
Hamlin’s comment originated from a meeting in Daytona where an anonymous prominent NASCAR figure, who also hosts a podcast, was said to have expressed skepticism about Jordan’s impact on the sport. The claim immediately drew attention, considering Michael Jordan’s significant position as co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Hamlin and the team’s recent competitive successes.
Mike Forde, known for hosting the Hauler Talk podcast and communicating NASCAR news, responded directly to the accusations after social media users suggested he was the person Hamlin referred to. Forde made it clear that he was neither part of that meeting nor responsible for the comment.
Forde’s Response and Past Tensions With Hamlin
Addressing the speculation, Forde stated,
“It was not me. I was not in that meeting, and I didn’t say anything about Michael Jordan to Denny Hamlin,”
as reported by journalist Kelly Crandall. He also added,
“I’m flattered. I’m flattered people think I’m prominent enough … first of all, if it was me, I can promise you that Denny Hamlin would have used my name.”
The exchange recalls prior friction between Forde and Hamlin. In 2025, during legal disputes involving 23XI Racing and NASCAR over charter agreements, Hamlin blamed Forde for influencing the narrative presented in an ESPN article. Hamlin tweeted,
“Please give credit to @mforde for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative.”
Context of 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan’s Role
Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing have been prominent in NASCAR’s recent legal and competitive developments. The 2024 antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, in which Jordan and the team played significant roles, concluded with a settlement in December 2025. The outcome granted permanent charters to teams and introduced adjustments to NASCAR’s revenue distribution and governance structure.
On the sporting front, 23XI Racing has made a strong start to the 2026 season with key victories, including the prestigious Daytona 500 and a win in Atlanta, demonstrating the team’s growing influence. NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell openly praised Jordan’s continuous involvement and passionate fandom.
O’Donnell remarked,
“It’s surreal that he wins the Daytona 500 and then follows it up with back-to-back wins with Tyler Reddick. He’s always there. He’s passionate and has been a fan for life. He helps bring us to new audiences, and we want to be respectful of him and the fact that he’s a true fan. It’s really cool to see.”
Impact and Implications Moving Forward
The denial by Mike Forde seeks to quell unrest within the NASCAR community about internal disagreements and rumors. Michael Jordan’s association with 23XI Racing continues to draw considerable attention, both for his business role and his effect on racing dynamics. As the 2026 NASCAR season progresses, the spotlight on Jordan’s contributions and the relationship between team leadership figures like Hamlin and Forde will likely remain areas of interest and scrutiny.
This episode highlights the ongoing complexities in NASCAR’s evolving landscape, where legal battles, media narratives, and on-track achievements all intertwine, influencing both internal relations and fan perspectives.
