We’re at the end of the regular season in NASCAR this year and 23XI Racing still hasn’t announced anything regarding their contract. Will the Denny Hamlin-Michael Jordan-owned organization stay with Toyota next year? Or is there a switch on the cards? Naturally, the longer the wait, the more the speculation will be. But according to Hamlin, the long wait, even though he isn’t comfortable with it, is necessary.
Advertisement
Hamlin recently explained why everything must be aligned in order for him to commit 23XI Racing with Toyota for another contract. The #11 driver also insisted that they’re grateful to Toyota, and the idea of them thinking of going to another manufacturer doesn’t make sense.
Denny Hamlin is happy with Toyota, emphasizes on alignment of visions for 23XI
During a recent interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Hamlin was asked whether looking elsewhere and investigating other opportunities indicate any dissatisfaction with the deal they have with Toyota right now. “I don’t think so,” Hamlin replied.
“I’ve been very happy to be with both. I think Toyota essentially really helped us get off the ground with 23XI three years ago. So our success in winning 4 races before our third year is complete is pretty strong. So you would argue against saying that moving one way or another is a better or a more lateral move,” he explained.
The veteran claimed that all parties want to make sure that a deal happens, but they want all the details to be considered and their respective visions to be aligned. “I think that’s a big thing, too. What is their vision? What is our vision? And where do we want to go with this thing for the next 5 years? So making sure all that’s aligned is a long diligent process. It really is,” Hamlin added.
“It takes a long time and obviously, it’s taken longer this year than what I was comfortable with.”
✍️ “I have to have all the pieces of the puzzle put together before I can sign.”
🗣️ @dennyhamlin provided some context on his ongoing contract talks with @JoeGibbsRacing.
Plus, would @23XIRacing really switch manufactures next year? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/CHc08Pp5bc
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) August 25, 2023
Hamlin is looking out for the future of 23XI above everything else
Only a few days ago, Hamlin explained the big, multi-faceted contract situation around his contract with Joe Gibbs Racing, 23XI Racing’s alliance with JGR, and 23XI Racing’s with Toyota, and how everything is interdependent. The #11 driver claimed that two of those three are of more priority before his own contract with JGR as a driver.
This means that everything is standing on what is, the priority for Hamlin, which is his team. In fact, he claimed, “I always have to look out for the financial future of the race team. I mean, it’s what I’m going to do well after I’m done racing.”
So it’ll be interesting to see where the dominoes fall in this rather simple situation which could have a complex nature of consequences on several parties. Will 23XI Racing stay with Toyota? Will Denny Hamlin stay with JGR?
Time will tell.
