Denny Hamlin Publicly Admits His Only Inferiority to Boss Joe Gibbs Amidst $16 Million Investment’s Grand Unviel

The new home of 23XI Racing-Airspeed, the 114,000-square-foot building, just opened to the public Thursday, and as per the reviews, it looks like it was as impressive as it could get. It was all about details. Additionally, because Denny Hamlin himself hand-sketched the blueprint of his castle, it would have been a dream come true for the driver.

However, even in his new home, he did not forget to mention his boss, Joe Gibbs. Not only did he take inspiration from Joe Gibbs by talking to him about floorplan likes and dislikes, but recently he even mentioned Joe Gibbs as superior to him, no matter where his 23XI Racing team has reached or most likely will reach in the future.

Denny Hamlin has always held Joe Gibbs in the highest esteem

Just last month, when Denny Hamlin’s co-host suggested that LeBron James might rival Michael Jordan in popularity, Hamlin’s response was instant and humorous: “We need a new co-host.“ And well, that simply goes to show how much he respects those he admires. Joe Gibbs has been a particular idol for Hamlin; he even told Gibbs in his younger days that he’d drive for his team someday.

Now, even though Hamlin has his own NASCAR team in partnership with Michael Jordan, he still holds immense respect for Gibbs. Recently, while discussing the grand opening of 23XI Racing’s headquarters, Hamlin shared some insights into the complexities of team ownership. He mentioned that while it’s tough to manage everything—from the drivers to team operations—and he often finds himself thinking, “What the hell?” he accepts these challenges as just part of the business. No matter how much owners strive for smooth operations, it’s never quite that simple.

Yet, despite facing all the ups and downs of having a racing team, Denny Hamlin is incredibly involved. In a recent video posted by Bob Pockrass, Hamlin admits, “I’m as hands-on as probably any owner out there.” Yet, he concedes that Joe Gibbs might just have him beat, saying, “I think Joe gets probably… has me beat because he has the time to do it. I still have another job and that is drive the race car and doing a podcast. I’m gonna ask him, to be in debt and all that.” Hamlin is eager to soak up as much knowledge as he can from Gibbs and aims to be as involved with his team as possible, perhaps emulating Gibbs’ level of engagement.

Concerning his new headquarters, as Hamlin highlighted, while it was a collaborative effort with insights from other team owners, including Joe Gibbs, it seems the 23XI Racing headquarters has turned into a must-see spot for NASCAR fans, likely drawing visitors who want to check it out at least once.

The details from the inside of the $16 million AirSpeed HQ

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• As soon as the fans step inside Airspeed HQ, they’ll most likely be immediately struck by the sleek, Jordan-inspired decor. From elephant print accents throughout the office and shop—even in the bathrooms—to high-tech fan zones with touchscreens detailing the seventh-gen NASCAR car, sponsors, and drivers, clearly the place is different. One standout feature is a striking display of Air Jordan brand shoes arranged to form the iconic #23, with Hamlin’s shoes currently featured. However, Jordan has asked to switch them out for size 13, matching his famous number.
• The main floor is where the 23XI Racing race cars are displayed, designed to evoke the feel of a professional sports arena. It’s immaculate and modern, complete with an LED board that can showcase anything from race weekend information to driver standings. The design wasn’t just about looks; the use of 23 different interior colors—each a nod to a significant Jordan shoe hue—was a happy accident.

• The layout of Airspeed emphasizes smooth workflow, which is essential for assembling the Next Gen car efficiently.
• The large café area brings a touch of nature indoors with hanging greenery and is equipped with a Monster Energy fridge stocked with goodies, a bar, and a full kitchen setup. Employees can enjoy a monthly credit for snacks and can chill out in seating areas that include both tables and booths, not to mention a pool table and foosball for some fun downtime.
• Natural light floods the space through strategically placed high windows, ensuring privacy while illuminating the proprietary race cars below. Even the ceiling fixtures contribute to the theme, with their long, thin rectangular shapes adding a dynamic sense of speed and flow.
• Meeting rooms carry the names of racetracks where the team has tasted victory, with the largest room, dubbed Talladega, serving as the war room. Smaller huddle rooms offer privacy for calls, and alternative seating areas provide a comfy spot for more relaxed gatherings.
• Special rooms numbered 11 and 23 house Hamlin’s racing memorabilia and an impressive collection of 45 different Jordan shoes, respectively. Both are uniquely designed to celebrate their namesakes.
• Hamlin and Jordan share a corner office that’s still under construction. A recent tour revealed a mural commemorating their recent Talladega win, positioned above a private stairwell leading directly to their office and down to a garage area reserved for their personal cars.

So, when are you planning to check out the new 23XI headquarters?