When Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, was asked if he feels appreciated enough in his role as team owner, he issued a brief, two-word response: “I’m not.” This terse statement highlights the challenges he faces, despite his successful venture into team ownership alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Since its inception in 2020, 23XI Racing has made headlines for its competitive drivers like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Despite these achievements, Hamlin’s response suggests a sense of underappreciation, likely stemming from the broader pressures of being both a driver and an owner in the competitive NASCAR environment. Running a team comes with intense challenges, including managing team performance, navigating NASCAR’s business structure, and dealing with financial concerns related to the sport’s revenue-sharing model. Recent legal disputes between team owners and NASCAR over charters and revenue distribution have added to the strain.
Hamlin’s comment might reflect not just a personal sentiment, but also the larger frustrations faced by smaller team owners in a sport dominated by larger, well-established organizations. His dual role as a top-level driver and team owner brings additional scrutiny, making it harder for his efforts as an owner to be fully recognized. While 23XI Racing continues to grow, Hamlin’s brief response hints at the unrelenting pressure he endures in striving to make the team a success amidst NASCAR’s intricate and competitive landscape.