Michael Jordan praises Denny Hamlin for 'competitive juice' ahead of Darlington

Michael Jordan might be the GOAT, but he sees a lot of his own competitive spirit in his NASCAR team co-owner, Denny Hamlin. Coming off the win at Martinsville, MJ thinks it might be the right week for a repeat.

When Michael Jordan says you are competitive, then that must mean you are an insanely competitive person. Denny Hamlin will admit it himself. He’s always talking crap, never satisfied with just winning, but rubbing it in your face.

Before the Goodyear 400, MJ paid Hamlin perhaps the greatest of compliments. Imagine the Jumpman being impressed by your competitive fire.

“He is a clown, but that’s him,” Jordan said about the flag at last week’s race when speaking with Jamie Little before the race. “That’s Denny. He’s a very confident driver. He’s a very confident person. His competitive juice is no different than mine. I mean, I love that. I want him to win a championship so badly because I think he’s earned that. Because of what he’s done for the sport for so long. He’s gonna grind it out; that’s just the way Denny is.

“If you boo him, that makes him better. If you boo me, that makes me better. I mean, that’s just the nature of a good competitor. So, I’m very happy for his win last week. Don’t be surprised if he [wins] today.”

Of course, the two are co-owners at 23XI Racing. They are also embattled in a legal fight against NASCAR and Jim France. Besides that, things are going well for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin when it comes to racing.

Michael Jordan commends 23XI Racing pit crews

When it comes to his drivers, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, MJ is very proud. He has both of them in the top-10 in points, they each have two top-fives and three top-10 finishes total on the season.

Reddick has led 43 laps this season. Bubba has led 98 laps and even has a stage win. Heck, the 23 team has the third most stage points on the year.

“I’m so happy. I mean, the only thing that you can ever ask for as an owner, and probably as a team is just have a chance, you know,” Jordan said. “We, each week, we unload the cars, we have a chance. It’s up to the drivers, you know, to go out and do the necessary things to win. Our pit crew is on fire. So, it’s giving the drivers – putting the race back in their hands. So, I mean, look, I’m happy with our progress. I just hope that we continue to move up the ladder.”