Michael Jordan Not Interested in Tony Stewart’s Rumored Charter Sale, Claims Denny Hamlin: “We’re Pretty Happy”

Rumors are rife that some other team can acquire the charter of Stewart-Haas Racing. And the fingers point at Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s enterprise all of a sudden. With the kind of funds the team has, the JGR Superstar and the NBA All-time Greatest always seemed to eye an expansion for their 23XI Racing team. It was evident in the previous season when 23XI entered a non-charter car in several races. Drivers Travis Pastrana and Kamui Kobayashi were brought behind the wheel of the No. 67 Toyota.

It was also assumed that, pursuing further success beyond their drivers, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, the team is considering the purchase of a third charter. However, co-owner Denny Hamlin said something opposite.

Denny Hamlin-23XI Racing is content

Frontstretch brought forward Hamlin’s post-qualifier interview, where the JGR driver was not really in a cheerful mood. The reference to SHR selling the charter next season and 23XI acquiring a third team was brought up. To this, Hamlin bluntly denied it and stated that they are happy with a two-driver team in 23XI.

He said, “I don’t know what the SHR situation is. All I know is 23XI, and we’ve got a two-car organization and we’re pretty happy with that, thank you.”

“Yeah I mean there is no charter agreement as far as I am concerned. So there’s nothing to buy or sell. But 23XI’s happy with their two teams currently. So, I don’t know what rumors are going on, but certainly, 23XI’s happy with what they’re at right now,” Hamlin continued.

Both cars in the 23XI displayed a fair display this season and possess a genuine chance for the playoffs. The No. 45 driver Reddick and No. 23’s Wallace are in the 9th and 12th spots, respectively, with 229 and 216 points. Reddick has two Top 5 and five Top 10 finishes. He has a stage win to his name. On the other hand, Wallace acquired both the Top 5 and Top 10 spots on three occasions each.

Is Stewart-Haas Racing selling their charters?

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There are rumors that SHR might reduce their four-car lineup next season. It comes as a shock for the fans, as they have Josh Berry and Noah Gragson in their lineups. The rumors gained more substance when NASCAR insiders Freddie Kraft and Brett Griffin discussed the possible sale of an SHR charter on the Door Bumper Clear podcast. They indicated that established teams, including Wood Brothers and 23XI Racing, are keen on purchasing the charter.

The one end of the rumors might come to an end by now, thanks to Denny Hamlin’s statements. They will rather focus on enhancing the performance and reliability of their cars through research and development. Moreover, Wallace, coming off a career-best season in 2023, has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with. Thus, the management is overall satisfied with all they have, rather than engaging in the complexities of trade.

It would be interesting to see how things turn out in the upcoming months. Will 23XI owners change their minds if they see an opportunity to genuinely bring in a consistent driver? And if not, who will buy the SHR charter?