What defines greatness for a driver competing in the NASCAR Cup Series? The obvious guesses would be the accolades, the trophies, and the championships, which do add value to that argument. But, more importantly, it is the clear vision of knowing you’re never going to be the best at everything and playing to your strengths. This is what Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin thinks about evaluating yourself as the best in the specific discipline of the sport.

He even stretched it further, sharing the example of his partner and co-owner, Michael Jordan, who is considered by many as the GOAT in the NBA. But Hamlin was able to identify the flaws in his game. He credited his greatness to his ability to ace his basketball craft with multiple skill sets, apart from just offensive plays and three-pointers.

Denny Hamlin doesn’t believe you have to be the best driver on all tracks

This discussion popped up when Hamlin suggested that he could get more speed out of the No. 45 23XI Racing car that is driven by Tyler Reddick. This was based on Reddick’s all-round performance, regardless of the racing surface or conditions. However, he did accept that he certainly wasn’t the best overall race car driver who could dominate in superspeedway races, road courses, and short-tracks at the same time.

Rather, he has a different philosophy, which he believes was used by greats like Michael Jordan and No. 1 ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler. “I don’t think you can be the best at everything. I just don’t think it’s possible. I think of it like a basketball player: When Michael Jordan was at his peak, he was never the best shooter … But he was a really good shooter and a really good defender. So there are different facets of being a good race car driver that go well beyond just the results.” Hamlin said this in an interview with Jeff Gluck.

He further substantiated his argument by adding what it means to be the greatest sporting figure in a certain discipline. “The greatest of all time in their sport has never been the best at every facet of their game. Scottie Scheffler is not the best putter. Iron player? He’s up there. Driver? No. But you add all those rankings together, and it comes out to P1.”

At 43, Denny Hamlin is running some of his last laps in a competitive setting. But it looks like he has already sorted out a plan that would see him make the most of his retirement time. And yes, it is going to be around NASCAR.

Hamlin wants to dedicate his time and energy to 23XI Racing

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The Tampa, Florida, native finds himself in a tricky position while racing on weekends. He runs in the No. 11 JGR Toyota, going toe-to-toe against his two cars from 23XI Racing. His partnership with Michael Jordan has really prospered in a short time since 2021, as both their drivers are regular playoff contenders. However, Hamlin feels like he isn’t able to give his all, with his commitments and personal ambition.

“I think I’ll want that free time. I will just spend more time at 23XI. I’m already very hands-on in that company and in the decisions it makes on competition, business, and whatnot. But I want to be there more. I’m there probably twice a week now at minimum, along with all the other meetings I do virtually,” the JGR star added.

Not to mention, he does have a soft corner for golfing. This hobby of his allowed him to forge a partnership with MJ; therefore, he is looking forward to becoming a scratch golfer someday. “I’ll work on my golf game. I want to be a scratch golfer one day. That probably should have been put in the bucket list question, but I’ve always been close (to scratch), but four or five shots away from that. I can spend more time getting lessons for that.”

However, before he dwells on his retirement plans, he knows he still has some unfinished business in NASCAR, winning the Cup Series. Going by his run in 2024 so far, it looks like he just might be able to have a fairytale ending to his racing career.