Michael Jordan, the legendary six-time NBA champion widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, has carved out a major chapter of his post-basketball career in the world of motorsports. While many know him for his exploits with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan’s influence now extends deep into NASCAR, from team ownership at Daytona to viral moments that sparked debate online.
23XI Racing: Jordan’s NASCAR Race Team
In September 2020, Jordan teamed up with longtime friend and NASCAR star Denny Hamlin to launch 23XI Racing, a professional stock car team competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team’s name cleverly blends Jordan’s iconic #23 with Hamlin’s longtime #11 — symbolizing their partnership and shared competitive spirit.
Since its debut during the 2021 Daytona 500, 23XI Racing has rapidly emerged as a force in NASCAR, fielding top talent like Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst. Under Jordan’s co-ownership, the team has logged multiple victories and fast become one of the sport’s most talked-about organizations.
Daytona Success and Historic Moments
The Daytona 500, NASCAR’s most prestigious race, has become a symbol of 23XI Racing’s rise. In February 2026, driver Tyler Reddick delivered a dramatic last-lap victory in the Daytona 500 while driving a 23XI Toyota — giving Jordan his first Daytona 500 win as a co-owner and prompting an emotional celebration in victory lane. Jordan embraced Reddick and hoisted the iconic Harley J. Earl Trophy alongside him.
This milestone came amid a season filled with off-track significance. The team and its allies successfully reached a settlement with NASCAR after a high-profile antitrust legal battle over charter agreements that govern how teams participate and earn revenue in the sport.
Jordan’s Love for Cars and the NASCAR Life
Jordan’s passion for racing isn’t new. Growing up in North Carolina, his family often took him to races at iconic venues like Charlotte and Daytona. That early affinity for motorsports eventually translated into investments beyond basketball — including owning a Superbike racing team years before 23XI Racing.
At NASCAR events, Jordan is a familiar figure in the pit area and victory lane, often seen cheering on his drivers with the same intensity he once showed on the hardwood. His competitive drive has been cited as a key factor behind 23XI’s quick success in a sport long dominated by veteran teams.
A Viral Moment: Social Media Controversy at Daytona
Following the 2026 Daytona 500 celebration, a video clip posted on social media — not verified by reputable news outlets — sparked discussion online about a moment between Jordan and a child thought to be the son of driver Tyler Reddick. In user-generated posts on platforms like Reddit, some commenters described the interaction in exaggerated or misleading terms. These claims have not been reported by credible news sources, and there is no verified evidence of inappropriate conduct. Online reactions varied widely, illustrating how quickly unverified clips can feed rumor and speculation.
The Bigger Picture: Jordan’s Legacy in NASCAR
Michael Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR has had ripple effects beyond wins and headlines. As the first Black principal owner of a NASCAR Cup Series team since Wendell Scott, Jordan’s presence has helped spotlight issues of diversity and competition in a sport striving to broaden its audience.
From Daytona triumphs to courtroom battles and viral internet moments, Jordan’s NASCAR journey demonstrates both the enduring appeal of his competitive spirit and the power of modern media to amplify every action — on and off the track.
Leave a Reply