As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin has voiced growing impatience with the team’s recent performance, emphasizing a need for more victories and stronger finishes from all drivers. Speaking at Bowman Gray Stadium before the Cook Out Clash, Hamlin openly acknowledged that mere speed is not enough; the team must be capable of closing races effectively on Sundays.
Hamlin stated,
“We expect our cars to run, and certainly the more experienced guys. And Tyler and Bubba, you know, they need to be competing for race wins more often as well,”
underscoring the pressure on the entire team to contend regularly at the front of the field.
Mixed Results in 2025 Highlight Challenges for Key Drivers
The 2025 season saw some promising moments, particularly for Bubba Wallace, who achieved a notable win at the Brickyard 400 and delivered several commendable performances. However, despite these highlights, the team fell short of mounting a serious playoff run. In contrast, Tyler Reddick experienced significant difficulties, with a stark decline from his previous year’s Championship 4 appearance, struggling to register competitive results throughout the season. Co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are now pushing for a more consistent and aggressive bid for Victory Lane in 2026.
Rising Pressure on Riley Herbst After Tough Rookie Year
Hamlin’s call for improvement extends beyond the veterans to include Riley Herbst, who endured a challenging rookie campaign in the #35 car that yielded no top-10 finishes in 2025. With a multi-year contract secured, Herbst faces significant expectations to elevate his performance in his second season.
Hamlin commented,
“Well, we got to see better performance for sure. I think that certainly you know where the 35 was running last year was just not up to what we had expected. But we have signed a multi-year agreement with Riley because we want to see where it goes in the second year. And certainly I want to see, you know, gains in performance, it needs to be challenging inside the you know top 10, top 15,”
conveying the urgency for Herbst to progress substantially this year.
Entering his sophomore season, Herbst must prove he can contend regularly and contribute to the team’s overarching goal of competitive consistency across all cars. 23XI Racing’s expanded resources and new sponsorship deals signal a concerted effort to strengthen the entire roster and machinery.
23XI Racing Prepares for a Pivotal Season With Heightened Ambitions
Facing mounting pressure to improve after a difficult previous season marked by declining performance and fewer victories, 23XI Racing is doubling down on its commitment to winning. Hamlin’s firm message emphasizes that every car on the team must contend weekly, and the organization is channeling significant investment, resources, and fresh sponsorships into this effort.
The heightened expectations reflect the team’s goal to not only increase race wins but also to secure strong playoff positions regularly. With leaders such as Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan steering this course, 23XI Racing aims to demonstrate significant growth and results in 2026, making this season critical for all involved drivers and the overall trajectory of the organization.
