Denny Hamlin Shocks NASCAR Fans with Bold Retirement Plan and 23XI Racing Future
Denny Hamlin, the 44-year-old NASCAR veteran, has sent shockwaves through the racing world with a candid revelation about his future beyond Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Fresh off consecutive victories at Darlington and Martinsville in April 2025, Hamlin broke his silence on swirling retirement rumors, unveiling a strategic plan to transition into a new chapter with his co-owned team, 23XI Racing. Sitting second in the Cup Series standings, just 49 points behind William Byron, and with 56 career wins tying him as JGR’s winningest driver, Hamlin’s announcement isn’t about stepping away—it’s about redefining his legacy. As he balances a thriving driving career with team ownership, his latest comments signal a seismic shift that could reshape his role in NASCAR for years to come.
Hamlin’s bombshell came during a reflective moment about his 20-year tenure with JGR, a team he credits for his success. “Joe Gibbs Racing’s been amazing to me over the 20 years,” he said, praising the organization that’s been his home since his 2005 debut. But the Virginia native is already eyeing the horizon, specifically 23XI Racing, the team he co-owns with NBA legend Michael Jordan. “Running some at 23XI is something I’d like to do,” Hamlin revealed, envisioning a phased exit rather than an abrupt retirement. “Even if I phased out and ran some there, that would be a cool goal of mine—a cool way to phase out versus just stopping.” This approach, inspired by the likes of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s part-time racing post-retirement, shows Hamlin’s determination to stay competitive while giving JGR ample time to plan for his departure.
The timing of Hamlin’s statement is no coincidence. His recent Darlington win—his 56th, moving him to 11th on NASCAR’s all-time wins list—underscored his enduring prowess. A clutch 8.3-second pit stop and a late caution, ironically triggered by rival Kyle Larson, handed Hamlin the victory over Ryan Blaney in overtime. “I really love my pit crew and Kyle Larson right now,” he quipped post-race, crediting their assist. Yet, behind the trophies lies a driver acutely aware of his age in a sport dominated by younger talents like teammates Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs. Hamlin’s work ethic sets him apart—spending at least seven hours weekly in the simulator, more than many of his younger peers. “I’m not going to win these races on raw talent anymore,” he admitted. “I’m going to have to outwork people, look at things others aren’t.”
Hamlin’s new crew chief, Chris Gail, marvels at this dedication. “I’ve been surprised at how hard he works,” Gail noted, highlighting how Hamlin ramps up his efforts as he ages, a contrast to some veterans who cite simulator demands as a reason to retire. Team owner Joe Gibbs echoed this, calling Hamlin’s drive “a real fortune” for JGR.
But Hamlin’s focus isn’t just on driving—he’s building an empire with 23XI Racing. Now in its fifth year, the team fields three full-time entries—Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota, Riley Herbst in the No. 35, and Tyler Reddick in the No. 45—plus a part-time No. 67 for Corey Heim. Their new Airspeed headquarters in Huntersville, North Carolina, marks their growth, though off-track challenges loom. 23XI, alongside Front Row Motorsports, filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in October 2024 over charter terms, securing a 2025 injunction to race while the case continues. Hamlin remains unfazed, insisting it’s “business as usual” at 23XI, with attorneys handling the legal fight while he chases a championship.
Hamlin’s vision for 23XI isn’t just about ownership—it’s about legacy. Referencing Kyle Busch’s unexpected exit from JGR due to sponsor and business decisions, he’s determined to control his own narrative.
Whether it’s five races or 25, racing with 23XI offers a fitting encore for a driver who refuses to “just stop.” As he continues to defy age and expectations, Hamlin’s next move could redefine what retirement looks like in NASCAR. The checkered flag is far from his final lap—this is a story of evolution, not an end.
