Denny Hamlin pressed on whether his post-Dover win comments upset Michael Jordan

If there’s somebody on this Earth that’s more competitive than Denny Hamlin, he hasn’t met them yet, he said after his victory in this past Sunday’s race at Dover Motor Speedway. Hamlin, of course, has a close relationship with six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan — together they own 23XI Racing.

Perhaps back in his playing days, Jordan was more competitive than Hamlin is today. But Hamlin didn’t know that Jordan. He knows a different Jordan — one who is still competitive, but not as intense as he was 30 years ago.

“Not in today’s world, no,” Hamlin said on the Dale Jr. Download. “The difference is you saw Michael’s competitiveness during that [Last Dance] documentary — he was in the middle of his game, actively competing. I think Michael Jordan at [62 years old] is different. He doesn’t have to compete each and every week. So, when you’re in-season or you’re in your job of being a professional athlete, your mentality is different than what it is after you retire.

“I never had known Michael Jordan during that most intense time of his career. I know him as retired Michael, family Michael, my golf buddy Michael. It’s a little bit different. Yes, he still trash-talks quite a bit when we go play golf, but so do I. We’re very similar in that stance, but I unfortunately never got to see that intense side of him because I think he’s a little different now that he’s got a bunch of kids, is married and life’s different.”

Denny Hamlin as good as he’s ever been

Hamlin, 44, just might be at the peak of his powers now two decades into his NASCAR career. He has a Cup Series-leading four wins this season, compiling the most playoff points (24) of any driver.

Most drivers’ performance falls off past the age of 40. Not Hamlin, who looks primed and ready to capture his first championship. After a win like this at Dover, Hamlin is feeling very confident.

“I just don’t know if there’s, you know, anyone on the face of the earth that is more competitive than I am. I mean, I’m sure there is — I just don’t know them,” Hamlin said. “And so, I just feel like when I’m tested, I’m going to give you a little more. And when you doubt me, I’m going to give you a little more. Like, I just feel as though I thrive in game-time moments, like, you know, finishing off races like this.

“When I think about it, and then I go home, that’s going to be like a pound your chest moment. They had three shots at me, and they couldn’t do it. They had fresher tires — couldn’t do it. And so, it’s just very gratifying.”