Michael Jordan wondered just how Denny Hamlin would react to the traumas of 2025, well now he knows.

On Sunday night at Pocono, Hamlin made it three consecutive Cup Series victories as he roared to career victory number 64 in the Great American Getaway 400.

The win means the 45-year-old Joe Gibbs Racing superstar is now just 19 points behind early standings leader Tyler Reddick with the table now updated following Sunday’s action.

Hamlin has four victories already in 2026 and he is looking like the best driver on the grid by far. Given what he endured in late 2025, it is a remarkable testament to not only his brilliance but his mental fortitude and desire to success.

Denny of course suffered that final-race agony in 2025 as Kyle Larson snatched the elusive first title from his grasps in the closing laps in Phoenix. Then he endured the personal tragedy of his father Dennis dying in a house fire and his mother Mary Lou being seriously injured.

Throw in that blockbuster NASCAR vs 23XI court case down in Charlotte and it was about as tumultuous and challenge an offseason as you could imagine. No wonder Hamlin’s 23XI Racing co-owner Jordan wondered how his partner would respond in 2026. Like we said, now he knows.

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Hamlin remembers Michael Jordan's big question

Speaking in Pocono, was asked by media when he knew that his season could possibly be this good. His response was illuminating, and clearly he was fired up by that Jordan question mark.

“I mean, probably a couple of races in, he answered.

“Obviously I told you guys I was not very locked in for the first couple of races with everything.

“I never forget Michael when he addressed 23XI in the off-season, he says, What I’m interested to see is what does Denny do.

“After what happened in Phoenix, you either pick yourself up and you respond or you fold. We’ll find out.

“He’s finding out.”

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