‘It’s a brand issue’ – Denny Hamlin argues for distancing himself from Michael Jordan and company’s NASCAR loyalty with vague ‘policy’

The real backbone of the racing world is not the connection between driver and team, or even between driver and team principal. It’s an unyielding alliance between sponsors and racing teams. For spectators, this relationship is most evident in the vibrant branding emblazoned on the race cars. But behind the dizzying array of tracks, another important partnership is unfolding — between NASCAR and various organizations.

Official relations are not only recognition of business alliances; They may be mandatory. When NASCAR enters into a partnership, all teams are obligated to follow the guidelines established by NASCAR and respect and maintain commitments to the associated organization. However, in a rare act of dissent, Denny Hamlin appears to have broken the alliance. Michael Jordan’s partner has apparently openly challenged NASCAR’s authority by refusing to be associated with NASCAR’s official 23XI Racing die-cast.

Denny Hamlin drops bombshell – Michael Jordan Co. shuns NASCAR’s die-cast Trailblazers

Loyal NASCAR fans wear their loyalty on their sleeves, drawn to the sport’s pulsating energy, dynamic paint schemes, track transformations and, of course, the ever-alluring aura of controversy. While NASCAR crafts these experiences to create strong connections with its audience, it also focuses on its niche communities.

Lionel Racing has been a trusted partner of NASCAR since the late 2010s. A giant in the die-cast world, subsidiaries of Lionel Trains have unparalleled capabilities in the design, marketing and distribution of licensed miniature racing replicas. Whether it’s NASCAR, NHRA or other racing wonders, Lionel Racing has a broad footprint and works with giants like Corporate, National Accounts and RCCA. Located near the famous Charlotte Motor Speedway, the company is deeply connected to the sport.

Drivers and teams work tirelessly to cultivate connections with fans, whether that’s letting them own smaller versions of their cherished race cars or sparking engagement on digital platforms. In a surprising twist, however, Denny Hamlin seems keen to move his and Michael Jordan’s teams away from this die-cast tradition. But what’s the story behind this?

The plot thickened when a curious fan took to Twitter to ask Denny Hamlin why 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan and his creative side asked Lionel Racing to exclude his race car Outside of the “Authentics” series. To this, the owner answered candidly: “The team would rather not be in the mass retail business. The Authents range falls into that category.”

At the request of another fan, he dug deeper and later elaborated: “These cars will bear the logos of companies that policy Not available in mass retail around. “It’s a brand thing.” While Hamlin’s move to block Michael Jordan & Co.’s 23XI Racing from partnering with Lionel Racing could be seen as a move to preserve exclusivity, could it also risk alienating their cult following? An ardent fan of racers like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace?

Watch this story: Just hours before billionaire Michael Jordan gets the nod, Bubba Wallace receives a five-word ultimatum from his NASCAR team staff

Interestingly, while Hamlin’s 23XI Racing is moving away from the diecast trend, their rival Hendrick Motorsports is upping the ante. There are rumors that they will join forces with Carrera Revell, a direct competitor of Lionel Racing.

Hendrick Motorsports teams up with rivals as official NASCAR partner

Hendrick Motorsports is making a splash in the racing world with its bold partnership with slot car racing powerhouse Carrera Revell of Americas. This powerful alliance will launch a hot line of slot machine sets and models crafted with the essence of Hendrick Motorsports racers.

Infused with the excitement of real-life NASCAR races, these sets are designed to fulfill the dreams of racing enthusiasts and satisfy the needs of adrenaline junkies of all ages.

Not to mention, former collectible favorite Pit Stop Lionel Racing seems to be feeling the heat as well. 23XI Racing, the brainchild of Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, has chosen to eschew a partnership, and now that Hendrick Motorsports is siding with a direct competitor, dynamics in the pits are quickly changing Variety. What do you think of this dramatic shift? If you had a golden ticket, which race car replica would you proudly display in your collection?