During a multi-hour cross-examination of 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin, NASCAR’s legal team revealed messages suggesting that in 2023, the owner/driver was entertaining selling off his portion of the team he co-owns with NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Reports claim that in these messages, Hamlin asked Jordan to find a buyer for his portion of 23XI Racing amid a disagreement with his fellow co-owners and team management.
In response, Hamlin claimed that at the time, he was frustrated and was attempting to get the attention of his business partners. Per his account, a meeting between Jordan, co-owner Curtis Polk, Gene Mason, and himself at Jordan’s golf course, The Grove XXIII, resolved the issue.
The 44-year-old also claimed that these disagreements are common in business, and when they have occurred between 23XI brass, they are usually resolved.
Whether Hamlin was serious about selling 23XI is unknown, though disputes between 23XI management and Hamlin are a well-known factor.
For example, a viral email sent to Michael Jordan by his CFO (an internal analysis of key figures at 23XI unsealed by the court in early November) alleged that Hamlin was a “terrible businessman.”
What’s Happening? A newly released email shared between Michael Jordan and his CFO in the ongoing trial between NASCAR and 23XI…
In a world where Hamlin sold his shares of 23XI Racing, there is no real tell of where the team would be now; would Jordan have also left, would the team still exist, or was this just a flat-out bluff?
In 2023, the team was in its second season as a two-car operation, and third in existence. The team was also in the midst of further investments into its operation, with the building of its $35 million race shop called “Airspeed.”
Regardless of Hamlin’s intentions, the team has seemingly moved past this moment. Airspeed is now complete, the team has expanded to a third full-time car, and its first prospect, Corey Heim, is waiting in the wings, all of which suggest a long-term commitment to racing in the sport.
Tuesday morning’s session concluded the examination of Hamlin by 23XI Racing attorney Jeffery Kessler, which began Monday afternoon, while also serving as a cross-examination of Hamlin by NASCAR attorney Lawrence Buterman.
What’s Happening? Day one of the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports trial is in the books. But not before it…
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