Denny Hamlin claims Michael Jordan is more involved in NASCAR after selling Hornets franchise
One positive of Michael Jordan selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, he’s more focused on his NASCAR team, according to Denny Hamlin. Hamlin thinks that MJ has been more involved since the sale and it is showing in multiple ways. That might be extra pressure for Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace with the GOAT getting his nose into things.
Ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan, Denny Hamlin talked to the media. From meetings to emails to everything in between, Michael Jordan is taking a more hands-on approach with his racing team.
Whether or not that is a good thing remains to be seen. His cars have been running pretty fast the last month or so. Jordan doesn’t half-ass anything. So, maybe we’ll see some minor changes with 23XI Racing moving forward courtesy of the big man himself.
Here’s what Hamlin had to say:
Denny Hamlin has been running well lately. However, that has come with some controversy. The Hamlin and Kyle Larson feud has been well-documented over the last few weeks. Michigan is a track that the Joe Gibbs Racing driver has performed well at. So, we might see more fireworks between the two drivers if we’re lucky.
Then again, Michael Jordan might be bugging Hamlin too much at the office for the driver to fully focus.
Denny Hamlin favored to win FireKeepers Casino 400
Speaking of Larson and Hamlin, the two drivers are tied as the favorites ahead of the qualifying round. Both drivers were listed at 7-1 odds to start the week. Fans have largely taken Larson’s side in that dispute, although there are those proud and few No. 11 fans that show up week in and week out.
Given his past experience at Michigan, Hamlin should be respected at this track. A year ago, it was a battle between Toyota and Ford. While the blue ovals came out on top with Kevin Harvick taking the checkered flag, Bubba Wallace put up a good fight.
Many weeks, Hamlin’s car is set up a lot like Denny Hamlin’s. While things have changed between last season and this season, we should expect those Toyotas and Fords to perform well once again.
A good qualifying spot will go a long way to getting Hamlin’s weekend off to a strong start.