Denny Hamlin Wants Michael Jordan’s $16 Million Brainchild to Retain 23XI Racing’s Honorable Culture

It is no secret that Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan have both done a wonderful job with 23XI Racing. With the team currently in its fourth Cup Series season, plenty of positives exist. Having said that, the dynamic duo of Hamlin and Jordan remain keen on maintaining a specific culture with the team regardless of success or failure.

It certainly makes a difference with Hamlin being both a driver and a co-owner. While it helps him know the struggles on both sides, he has used that experience quite well in the functioning of 23XI Racing. However, he’s keen to use his and Jordan’s $16 million investment to enhance the team’s operations.

Denny Hamlin sets the perfect role model for a boss with his handling of 23XI Racing

In the 2024 Cup Series, both 23XI Racing drivers, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, have had a good start. With the latter already having won once in the first 13 races, it could not have gotten any better. This comes after the team managed a sixth-place finish last year, its best finish in a Cup Series campaign.

Currently, with both drivers in the top 16, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan would be feeling optimistic about their playoff chances. Having said that, the activities behind the scenes have certainly played a massive role in the on-track success.

At 23XI Racing, both Hamlin and Jordan ensured to maintain a healthy culture. As reported by Sports Business Journal in April this year, Denny Hamlin’s team remains one of the best places to work in sports from an employee perspective. One of the employees made an eye-catching comment that certainly could not be ignored.

The comment said, “The upper management treats us as if we are all family. Everyone works together to make an enjoyable work atmosphere.” While this speaks volumes of the culture Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan seek in their team, their $16 million investment in their new headquarters, ‘Airspeed’, has certainly ensured their intent to get better and bigger.

Hamlin’s recent interview with FOX Sports journalist Bob Pockrass highlighted how 23XI Racing is only going to make the environment better for its employees. In his interview, the #11 driver said, “Really making sure that it’s [Airspeed] employee–driven, making sure we have strong amenities for the employees that work so hard to make this show happen each and every week.”

Denny Hamlin then added a different perspective than how most bosses think. He said, “Giving the drivers places to get better, opportunities and room to just relax and have fun at times and other places where you’re going to be in your workspace and obviously have different seating options for your seating workplace.”

He also explained the reason behind this thought process. Hamlin said, “Sometimes sitting in the same chair for six, eight hours a day gets monotonous. Making sure I gave the employees the ability and freeness to work anywhere they want to within the building.” With such a mentality, who wouldn’t want a boss like Denny Hamlin?

On the other hand, while Hamlin and Jordan have big plans for their team, they recently gave an in-depth idea of how massive Airspeed is.

Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan unveil the new 23XI Racing headquarters, Airspeed, ahead of the Coca-Cola 600

With the Coca-Cola 600 around the corner, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan took the opportunity to take the wraps off Airspeed. While the 114,00-square-foot headquarters sits on nine acres, it is the newest shop in NASCAR in years. It is important to note that while the investment was made by both Hamlin and Jordan, the idea was the latter’s to build a new shop.

As reported by the Sports Business Journal, almost 200 workers were involved in building this facility over a period of approximately eight months. While that’s commendable, the setup is even more appealing. The new headquarters possesses numbers nods to Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan.

From a fan’s perspective, the entrance area will be accessible, and feature touchscreens giving breakdowns of the Next-Gen car and 23XI Racing’s sponsors and drivers. Despite having windows in every room, the setup is so that natural light can come in, but outside onlookers will not be able to have a look inside given that proprietary cars are made.

In addition to that, a large cafe area is present, with greenery hanging from the ceilings and Monster Energy refrigerators stocked with numerous products. While the structure is almost ready, a corner office is yet to be built, which will see Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan occupying it. Interestingly, their office will possess a bar, fireplace, private bathroom, seating area, and televisions.

Truly, it is an enormous structure, one that will keep dazzling the fans every single time. Amazingly, given Denny Hamlin’s attitude toward helping his employees, it only makes Airspeed the ideal place to work.