23XI Racing co-owner and driver Denny Hamlin disclosed that the team was nearly named 6XI Racing at its inception. The current team name combines Michael Jordan’s iconic No. 23 from his Chicago Bulls career with Hamlin’s No. 11, which he has driven at Joe Gibbs Racing for over two decades. However, the original idea referenced Jordan’s six championship rings, which inspired the proposed 6XI name.
Hamlin, 44, recently achieved his third win of the season at Michigan, solidifying his position as a strong playoff contender heading into the latter part of the NASCAR Cup Series season.
Hamlin Discusses Team Naming and Current Circumstances
Hamlin will not compete in the upcoming race in Mexico City, as he is attending to the birth of his first son with his fiancée. On his Actions Detrimental podcast, he explained that the team’s name was originally intended to honor Jordan’s six NBA championships.
“Truth be known, the original name of 23XI racing was supposed to be 6XI. The six would have come from Jordan’s six rings with the Chicago Bulls,”
Hamlin said.
We were doing renderings and all this stuff, but you know, on all the gear like it was 6XI,
Hamlin added.
6XI was our team name for a while, but I just, I was like, eh, let’s change. Let’s rethink.
Legal Challenges Facing 23XI Racing
23XI Racing is currently involved in legal disputes concerning the team’s future in NASCAR. The U.S. Court of Appeals recently permitted NASCAR to revoke the team’s charter, alongside Front Row Motorsports. Despite the uncertainty, Hamlin remained measured in his remarks about the situation.
We are committed to running this season as an open team if required, even before the injunction decision.
Implications and What Lies Ahead
Denny Hamlin’s revelation about the team’s potential original name adds an intriguing layer to the partnership between him and Michael Jordan, symbolizing significant achievements in sports history. The ongoing legal issues with NASCAR may affect 23XI Racing’s operations and competitiveness in the near future, but Hamlin’s commitment to competing reflects the team’s resilience. Fans and observers will be watching closely as the situation develops and Hamlin balances fatherhood with his racing career.