Denny Hamlin is not only a top NASCAR driver but also a team owner. Since partnering with NBA legend Michael Jordan to form 23XI Racing, the two have become close friends, often sharing advice. Jordan, known for his dominance on the basketball court, brings the same intensity to NASCAR.

In a recent interview, Hamlin shared that while Jordan emphasizes staying focused, he himself believes in the power of confidence. Together, their ambition drives their team to compete fiercely against bigger teams.

Denny Hamlin breaks down his partnership with Michael Jordan

Right now, the talk of the town is Denny Hamlin’s rivalry with Kyle Larson. Both drivers have been going door to door, and this has led to some contact that the whole NASCAR community is talking about. To get a better insight into this, Kenny Wallace called Hamlin down to talk about the rivalry and much more.

One of the key takeaways from their conversation on Kenny Conversation with Denny Hamlin, which aired on July 10, was when Hamlin explained his relationship with his partner, Michael Jordan. Wallace grew curious about the relationship between the 23XI Racing partners and asked about their most common conversations, including confidence.

Giving a gist of the situation, Hamlin said, “Yeah, I mean, listen, if confidence won championships, I would have been a multi-time champion a long time ago.” After the two chuckled about the statement, Hamlin continued to explain, “But anyhow, I just feel like he’s always been such a big supporter of mine. I mean, you can go back to the video of him coming to Homestead when I’ve been part of the championship battle for years and years, right? He’s always attended; he’s gone out of his way to support me.”

Although Denny Hamlin has stated that Michael Jordan supports him, the NASCAR champion explains in what form the reinforcements come through. The two have been partners since 2020, and in their fourth year of working together, Hamlin explained in detail how working with the NBA legend has taught him not to give up.

“He gives me motivation,” said Hamlin, before explaining that Michael Jordan has always helped him focus. The NASCAR team owner then explained the role of motivation, saying, “But he also knows that it’s on me to want it.” He further explained, “I have to want it. If I don’t want it as bad as it takes to win it, then it’s never going to happen.”

The desire to win is something that Denny Hamlin already has, but he broke down while success is not always the result, and he said, “I do want it, but sometimes the stars just don’t align. And I think he recognizes more than ever how many variables are part of the sport. It’s just the best car. I think the statistics I saw were like 30 or 40% of the time, the best car and driver win on a weekly basis.”

During Jordan’s reign, there was no other NBA player who was known on a global scale but him. Being one of the most celebrated athletes who has his name written down in history, Jordan knows what someone needs to do to get ahead in the sport. Denny Hamlin has a lot to learn from Air Jordan, and that tale stands the same for the former NBA player.

That being said, there will be more from them in their relationship in the future. What do you think of Denny Hamlin’s take on how to be a champion in the sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.