Like boss like drivers! And nowhere does this ring truer than at NASCAR’s 23XI Racing team, co-owned by basketball icon Michael Jordan. Denny Hamlin, with his fearless approach and refusal to bite his tongue, mirrors the candidness of Michael Jordan himself. And it seems the duo has a knack for handpicking drivers who resonate more with the masses, in stark contrast to those of Hendrick Motorsports—or so the NASCAR aficionados believe.

So, it came as little surprise when a star driver from Jordan’s ensemble was asked to name his Championship-4 picks. Without batting an eyelid, he boldly overlooked one of Rick Hendrick’s top contenders.

The rising star of Michael Jordan has doubts about Rick Hendrick’s former Cup champ

Since his smashing debut in the Cup Series back in 2019, #45 has become a seasoned competitor, mastering the nuances of the tracks he races on. This season, his remarkable consistency has not only raised eyebrows among rivals but even made his competitive boss, Denny Hamlin, take notice. After all, he did snatch a victory from right under Hamlin’s nose at Kansas during the second playoff race.

Yet, in a recent game of Connect 4, it seemed he chose diplomacy over daring. When prompted by Denny Hamlin to list out his Championship-4 picks, Tyler Reddick responded with confidence, “No. 19 (Martin Truex Jr.), No. 24 (William Byron), No. 11 (Denny Hamlin), and I’d be stupid to not give myself a chance.”

But, notably, Reddick sidestepped mentioning Kyle Larson, a standout currently sitting in the coveted fourth playoff spot. Not to mention, Kyle Larson’s average at Las Vegas is better than even the ever-consistent Denny Hamlin, holding a 10.5 average across 14 races, ten of which saw him in the top 10, including his 2021 victory. So, keeping him out of the top list can potentially not be considered a genuine response. Well, for now, carrying these bold predictions, Denny Hamlin is currently revving up for the next big challenge in Las Vegas.

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Can Denny Hamlin conquer Las Vegas?

Boasting an impressive average of 12.8 and an enviable 11 top-10 finishes from 23 outings at Las Vegas, Denny Hamlin stands tall in the racing panorama. His triumph in the 2021 playoff race and a commendable 11th-place finish this spring are testaments to his caliber. Not to mention, the No. 11 commanded the track, leading for over 121 laps in the 2020 and 2021 races.

Even without recent victories, his knack for bagging pivotal stage points ensured his early entry into the playoffs. As a titan in this year’s playoffs, Denny Hamlin flaunted his racing genius with a Bristol win, cruising into the Round of 12, and seamlessly transitioning into the Round of 8.

Read More: “The Sport Is Too Corporate” – Denny Hamlin’s Attack on Rick Hendrick Garners Support of NASCAR Insiders and Legends

Given that intermediate tracks dominate the Round of 8, even if he doesn’t clinch the top spots, he’s poised to garner enough points to catapult into the Phoenix final. This makes him a formidable contender for the championship title. With such a track record, the playoff terrain seems tailor-made for Hamlin’s chase for NASCAR supremacy. Thus, discounting Hamlin’s chances at Las Vegas That’s a bet few would dare to make!