Denny Hamlin Spills the Beans on Chicago’s Response to Billionaire Bulls Legend Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team

The debut race on the streets of Chicago has struck the chords of drivers and fans alike. Years of planning and anticipation has finally culminated with the Xfinity race, the practice session, and the qualifiers of the Cup Series on Saturday. Drivers did not disappoint NASCAR enthusiasts in delivering a thrilling session for the most awaited race on the calendar.

While drivers like Chase Elliott and Kevin Harvick struggled to get hold of the grip on the track and wrecked into inside walls, Denny Hamlin eased into the alien track to grab the pole position for the inaugural race. But it seems that the Joe Gibbs driver is not only concerned about his performance alone. Hamlin lent his thoughts and reactions to the media about the 23XI Racing drivers, a team that he co-owns with Michael Jordan.

Denny Hamlin reveals his thoughts on the possibility of 23XI Racing drivers or himself winning the race

The Chicago Street Race is bound to go down into the pages of NASCAR’s history, as it commemorates the diamond jubilee of stock car racing. This debut race does occupy a coveted position among the drivers, as it challenges them out of their comfort zones. But the race holds a far significant value to 23XI Racing and especially their owner Michael Jordan.

There is no denying the fact, that Michael Jordan occupies a deified position in the hearts of all Chicago locals. And why not, it is in this Windy City, that the NBA player rose to the position of a legend after winning six championships for the Bulls. Moreover, the legend returns to the city not as an NBA player but as a NASCAR team owner. And it would mean the world to him if either of the drivers wins in the iconic city.

Even Denny Hamlin acknowledges this fact in the media conference. When asked what it would mean to Michael Jordan if either he or either of the drivers wins the race, the No.11 Toyota driver revealed, “He’s pumped up whether we are performing well at North Wilkesboro or we are here in Chicago. It is a big city for him. He’s obviously did a lot for this and this city did a ton for him.

“Having 23XI night at the Cubs game yesterday was big. Just the fanfare that the 23XI team has got from the unveiling of the car. Social outlets that don’t normally cover anything about racing because it’s about something else are paying attention to that. That’s how you grow the sport.

“And Michael is proud of the growth that they have got and the speed they have got in such a short amount of time that the team has been around. For me, personally, it would have to be a top-five win for me if we were able to do it.”     

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Will rain hamper Hamlin from getting a smooth running in the race?

Nevertheless, the Toyota-backed teams are optimistic about favorable results in the final sprint. Moreover, the 2x Daytona winner is running high on hope, as he grabbed his third pole position for Sunday’s race. He led the race with a lap of 88.435 seconds and outlasted Tyler Reddick who finished second at 88.479 seconds. 

He had revealed to the media after winning the pole, “It was just a great day. Probably my single best day at the race track in all of my career for sure.”

He added, “Certainly in the rain, I don’t feel as confident. We have all got to do it, so we will see how it goes.”

Denny Hamlin is surely optimistic for the race, as he grabs an upper hand in the race by starting the race in the front row. But will the driver be able to grab his second victory in the inaugural race and immortalize himself in NASCAR’s history? Or will the on-track wrecks follow him on the tracks of Chicago?

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