A leaked internal email reportedly addressed to Michael Jordan and talking about 23XI Racing co-owner and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin has surfaced from early 2024, revealing apparent tension within the team.
The message paints a striking picture of internal disagreement between the business and racing sides of the operation. It also heavily criticizes Hamlin for his management style and decision-making.
Behind-the-Scenes 23XI Friction between Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin?
Motorsports journalist Bob Pockrass highlighted the memo after it appeared in newly released court documents.
Sharing an image of the text on X, he said, “From exhibits released, found this somewhat intriguing … from MJ’s CFO email analyzing 23XI in March 2024 … Some might consider it a knock on Denny but my guess is it’s not rare for a race team to have financial people at odds with those who lead racing/competition dept.”
The CFO’s email begins with high praise for Hamlin’s on-track ability and dedication, stating, “Denny is a great driver, one of the best of all time. He is completely driven for 23XI to succeed. He knows more about how to prepare to drive a race and how to execute that than almost any other driver.”
But the tone shifts dramatically in the following paragraph, describing Hamlin as a “terrible businessman” who often clashes with the financial department over how resources should be spent.
“He does not know as much as he thinks he does about race strategy and the other nuts and bolts of racing,” the email continues. “He relies on regurgitating what Chris Gabehart says as if it were gospel. He ascribes to the dumb theory that if we spend more money, it will translate into wins and speed.”
The email author goes on to argue that Hamlin’s spending philosophy places pressure on the staff to make financially risky decisions simply because “money is no object” in his view.
Could Jordan’s Leaked Email Have Come at a Worse Time?
The email’s emergence, however, comes at a particularly sensitive time for 23XI Racing. The team is currently embroiled in a landmark antitrust lawsuit against the sanctioning body. The case accuses NASCAR of monopolistic control and an unfair revenue model that restricts team independence.
The leaked memo doesn’t directly relate to the lawsuit’s main claims, but its tone offers an insight into how 23XI has navigated internal growing issues while fighting for broader reform in the sport.
Insiders have long described Hamlin as a deeply hands-on driver-owner heavily involved in competition decisions, from car development to sponsor strategy. While his confidence and competitiveness, traits that make him one of NASCAR’s most talked about drivers, have also created friction with executives tasked with maintaining financial balance.
Neither 23XI Racing, Hamlin, nor Jordan has issued public statements on the leaked correspondence. However, the exposure of such candid internal communication could prove uncomfortable, particularly as the team’s leadership presents a united front in court against NASCAR.