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Denny Hamlin Praises 23XI Racing's Historic Start to 2026 NASCAR Season
Hamlin co-owns the team with Michael Jordan as driver Tyler Reddick wins first three races.
Published on Mar. 2, 2026
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Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has expressed his delight in seeing driver Tyler Reddick and the team make NASCAR history by winning the first three races of the 2026 season. Reddick became the first driver to accomplish this feat, winning at Daytona, Atlanta, and Circuit of the Americas. Hamlin discussed the significance of the team's strong start and the joy it has brought co-owner Michael Jordan.
Why it matters
Reddick and 23XI Racing's historic start to the season has put them in prime position to contend for the regular season title and potentially the championship. As Hamlin's team, the success also reflects well on his ownership and the work he has done to build a competitive organization alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan.
The details
Through the first three races, Reddick has won at a superspeedway (Daytona), a superspeedway-style track (Atlanta), and a road course (COTA), showcasing the team's versatility. Hamlin's teammate Bubba Wallace has also had a strong start, sitting second in the points standings behind Reddick.
- Reddick won the season-opening race at Daytona on February 16, 2026.
- Reddick followed up with a win at Atlanta Motor Speedway on February 23, 2026.
- Reddick completed the historic three-peat by winning at Circuit of the Americas on March 2, 2026.
The players
Denny Hamlin
A NASCAR Cup Series driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing, the team that Tyler Reddick drives for.
Tyler Reddick
The driver of the No. 45 car for 23XI Racing, who has won the first three races of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
Michael Jordan
NBA legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Denny Hamlin.
Bubba Wallace
The teammate of Tyler Reddick at 23XI Racing, who has also had a strong start to the 2026 season.
What they’re saying
“The sky's the limit on how many races can you win and what you can accomplish during the year. I can't fathom where their heads are at right now. They are probably just sky high as they should be. I saw them in Victory Lane. It was like they won their first race.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing (on3.com)
“Just so gratifying. Obviously, when I see Michael afterwards, and he's very appreciative of — he knows the work that I'm doing there to make all this happen, again, it's very gratifying to see the joy that we're bringing him at this stage of his life.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing (on3.com)
What’s next
If Reddick continues his strong performance, he will be in position to win his second regular-season title, which would also be another championship for Hamlin and Jordan's 23XI Racing team.
The takeaway
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team have made a historic start to the 2026 NASCAR season, with driver Tyler Reddick winning the first three races. This early success has Hamlin and the team feeling gratified and optimistic about their potential to contend for championships this year.
