Denny Hamlin on 23XI charter situation: 'Bigger priorities' right now

After Stewart-Haas Racing announced that it would be shutting down at the end of the 2024 season, rumors immediately started flying about 23XI Racing purchasing one of the team's charters. 

According to team co-owner Denny Hamlin, however, the team still has a long way to go in acquiring a charter. 

Speaking in the World Wide Technology Raceway media center on Saturday, Hamlin was asked about 23XI's charter situation.

"I have to get a charter deal done with NASCAR first. Right now, we haven't purchased anything," Hamlin said, indicating the team isn't jumping the gun on team expansion. "If things line up right (to expand), yeah, in the long term, I'd love for our team to be more than two cars, but certainly, there are bigger priorities for us right now."

Hamlin was also asked about 21 year-old Corey Heim, who is a potential favorite to be the third driver at 23XI Racing if the team does decide to grow to three cars. Heim will make his third career Cup Series start at Nashville for 23XI, running the No. 50 Toyota.