DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — For Michael Jordan, the Daytona 500 wasn’t just another NASCAR race; it was a full-circle moment. Growing up in North Carolina, Jordan’s family made regular trips to races at tracks like Talladega, Darlington, and Rockingham, rooting for legends Richard Petty and Cale Yarborough. He once quipped about Yarborough, “He was the original 11. Sorry, Denny,” a playful jab at his 23XI Racing co-owner, Denny Hamlin. That childhood passion culminated Sunday when Tyler Reddick drove the No. 45 Toyota to victory in the 66th Daytona 500, delivering Jordan his first championship as a team owner.
The win wasn’t just a triumph on the track; it was a validation of Jordan’s commitment to NASCAR and a testament to the power of teamwork. “I’m ecstatic,” Jordan said during his television interview in Victory Lane. “I don’t even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship.” The victory came just days before Jordan’s 63rd birthday, adding an extra layer of celebration to the moment. It also marked a significant milestone for 23XI Racing, a team born from Hamlin’s vision and Jordan’s competitive spirit.
23XI Racing, established in 2021, quickly became a force in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team’s name is a nod to Jordan’s iconic No. 23 and Hamlin’s longtime racing number, 11. The organization currently fields three full-time entries, driven by Bubba Wallace, Riley Herbst, and Tyler Reddick, with a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, according to Wikipedia.
The road to the Daytona 500 victory wasn’t without its challenges. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in October 2024, alleging monopolistic practices. The case went to trial in December, with Jordan himself testifying about his love for the sport and his desire for fair competition. The suit was settled, resulting in better charter terms for the teams, as reported by ESPN. Jordan testified he simply wanted a chance to win, stating, “I like to win…and if the opportunity to possess a third charter, [it means] more drivers, better chance to win.”
Reddick’s victory was a strategic masterclass, aided by a crucial push from teammate Riley Herbst in the final laps. “Riley did an unbelievable job pushing at the end,” Jordan acknowledged. “That shows you what teamwork can really, really do.” Hamlin emphasized the joy Jordan derives from the team’s success, recalling a recent meeting where he reminded the team of Jordan’s excitement at Talladega. “I was like, ‘Do you guys understand the responsibilities that you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan? You have that power.’”
Reddick, who joined 23XI Racing in 2024 after obtaining an early release from Richard Childress Racing following Kurt Busch’s concussion, expressed gratitude for the faith Jordan and Hamlin have shown in him. “Denny and Michael, those two have believed in me for years,” Reddick said. “They’ve wanted me to be a part of 23XI. We made it all work. These are the type of moments that I’m supposed to deliver on them for, and it’s just nice to be able to do that.”
Beyond the racing, Reddick also benefits from a sponsorship deal with Jordan Brand, often racing with paint schemes inspired by the iconic sneaker line. This partnership highlights the synergy between Jordan’s basketball legacy and his growing influence in motorsports.
The Daytona 500 win represents more than just a trophy for Jordan; it’s a symbol of his dedication to building a competitive and successful racing team. NASCAR Chairman Jim France and President Steve O’Donnell visited Victory Lane to congratulate Reddick and the 23XI team, acknowledging the significance of their achievement. As crew chief Billy Scott noted, “It’s just cool to see him obtain the joy out of that.”
Looking ahead, 23XI Racing aims to build on this momentum and continue its pursuit of championships. The team’s success underscores Jordan’s commitment to not just participating in NASCAR, but to elevating the sport and fostering a culture of competition and innovation. The victory at Daytona is a clear signal that 23XI Racing is a force to be reckoned with, and Michael Jordan’s passion for racing is only just beginning.
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