Denny Hamlin's latest joke about Michael Jordan has sent all NASCAR fans into a frenzy. But the comment isn't a novel one. In fact, Jordan and Hamlin's playful relationship has been extensive, spanning years of co-owning a team.

Hamlin recently comically suggested that Jordan is now “finding out,” a comment that made fans immediately connect it to the group's hilarious, joyous, and friendly past.

Their friendship was on full display when Jordan walked up behind Hamlin and jokingly grabbed him around the neck in a playful chokehold, post-race at Kansas, a moment that quickly went viral on social media.

Hamlin this time decided to throw one back and turned that famous Kansas image from the AdventHealth 400 into a version of the popular “And I Took That Personally” meme, made famous by Jordan himself.

The background of the same also stretches past this season. Following another championship disappointment for Hamlin at Phoenix, Jordan wasted little time pulling his leg regarding the same, about how he had just missed out on another title.

The six-time NBA champion leaves no stone unturned to throw a joke here and there at Hamlin over the one major achievement still missing from his NASCAR résumé.

The jokes even trickled down to this year’s Daytona 500. Jordan again reminded his longtime friend Hamlin of previous Daytona 500 heartbreaks and jumped at every opportunity to needle him.

This banter is exactly why fans linked Hamlin’s “finding out” comment to this year’s long-running trash talk and have loved following it, as is apparent online.

Fans Rally Around Hamlin's Confidence and Legacy

The reactions from fans were immediately supportive, with several embracing Hamlin's attempt to fire back with humor. One fan wrote, "Bwhahaha!!! This Denny I am HERE for over 30 Denny! The shade, spice and ZEST is real! Bravo."

Another added, "Enjoying this heater! Too bad the roundy rounds are on hold. I would have loved to see a shot at 4."

Others also did not let Hamlin's recent run fade away from recognition. "I'll never forget after a win with Gabehart a couple years ago and he said 'WHAT DO YOU WANNA GO WIN NEXT' get 70 and that ship brother. God mode right now. Never change," one supporter commented.

This exact recognition of Hamlin's recent efforts made many feel that the veteran was getting the respect he is owed, as one fan wrote, "Glad you're starting to get the flowers you deserve while you're still around. Folks are starting to realize.."

Others also pleaded for Hamlin not to retire and to come back racing next season, adding, "I pray to the Nascar Gawds that Gibbs convinces you to come back for at least one more year."

Together, these reactions paint an image that while fans were quick to appreciate Hamlin's style, many were also backing his return, showcasing that the love he enjoys among his supporters refuses to diminish.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Uday Jakhar

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason