NASCAR star Denny Hamlin admits surprise Michael Jordan re-think over 23XI name

23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin has revealed that the team was never originally intended to have that name.

The name of the team comes from fellow co-owner Michael Jordan's iconic number 23 with the Chicago Bulls, paired with the 11 that Hamlin has raced under with Joe Gibbs Racing throughout his 21-year career.

Hamlin revealed that the first pitch for the team's name was '6XI Racing', a reference instead to the Chicago Bulls star's six championship rings.

The 44-year-old driver won his third race of the year last Sunday at Michigan, securing his sport at one of the favorites for the playoffs at the end of the year.

READ MORE: Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson among NASCAR Cup Series stars hit with penalties at Michigan

Hamlin reveals intended team name

Hamlin will be missing this weekend's race at Mexico City this weekend though, with his fiancee giving birth this week to their first son.

Speaking on his Actions Detrimental podcast this week, he said: “Truth be known, the original name of 23XI racing was supposed to be 6XI. The six would have come from Jordan's six rings with the Chicago Bulls.

“We were doing renderings and all this stuff, but you know, on all the gear like it was 6XI," Hamlin continued. 6XI was our team name for a while, but I just, I was like, eh, let’s change. Let’s rethink.”

The team are currently in the midst of legal concerns about its future, with the U.S. Court of Appeal allowing NASCAR to strip charter status from the team and Front Row Motorsports.

Hamlin was non-commital on the legal situation, adding: "We are committed to running this season as an open team if required, even before the injunction decision."

READ MORE: NASCAR star Ross Chastain benefits as Team Penske driver demoted after Michigan race

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