Michael Jordan on NASCAR, life after basketball and the one title he won't claim Michael Jordan is bringing his championship mindset to NASCAR, saying he's "cursed with this competitive gene" that keeps him chasing victories — and change. Jordan, co-founder of the NASCAR team 23XI Racing, told Gayle King that his passion for the sport traces back to his late father, James, a "diehard mechanic." He described how his father would fix neighborhood cars, refusing to send them to service, and how this early exposure to mechanics and speed shaped his love for cars and driving. "He used to work on all the neighborhood cars… he would fix our cars. We would never send our car to the service. He would figure out a way to fix it. So I think it gravitated into his love for cars. And he likes driving fast. My mom likes driving fast," Jordan said during an interview at the Phoenix Raceway for "CBS Sunday Morning." From rumor to reality Jordan founded 23XI Racing in 2020 with legendary driver and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin — a partnership Hamlin says began with a rumor that unexpectedly turned into reality. "I'll never forget. I saw an article that wasn't true. Says, 'Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are lookin' to purchase a NASCAR team,'" Hamlin recalled. "I saw the article, sent it to him. He says, 'Not real, but if you want to make it real let me know.'" This initial exchange led to the formation of 23XI Racing, marking Jordan's entry into a sport he had long admired. NASCAR's charter system and the antitrust case NASCAR has been privately owned and operated since 1948 by the France family. In 2016, the organization introduced a charter system, a franchise-like model that guaranteed 36 teams entry into each Cup Series race and promised new revenue opportunities.#michael_jordan #phoenix_raceway #denny_hamlin #23xi_racing #nascar
Who's Chasing Who? Nobody Knows Quite Yet Three weeks into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, fans are more focused on figuring out which drivers are in contention than worrying about allegations of cheating. The early-season schedule has left many questions unanswered, as the competition remains unclear. Tyler Reddick leads the standings after securing three consecutive wins to start the year, a feat no driver had achieved before. His success highlights the strength of his team, 23XI Racing, and his own exceptional skill behind the wheel. However, Reddick’s dominance so far has come at drafting tracks like Daytona International Speedway and Circuit of the Americas, which make up only 10 of the 36 races on the Cup calendar. This limited exposure to different track types complicates predictions about his long-term competitiveness. The upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway marks a shift in the schedule, as it is the first traditional oval on the calendar. This race, along with others like Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Darlington Raceway, and Martinsville Speedway, will provide a clearer picture of which teams have the speed and execution to succeed. These races are seen as critical for determining the true standings, as they represent the core of the season’s challenges. Defending series champion Kyle Larson, despite his reputation, is currently 15th in the standings, while his Hendrick Motorsports teammate Alex Bowman trails further back at 36th. Both drivers are expected to remain in that range after Phoenix, as Bowman will miss the race. Joe Gibbs Racing’s Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell are also positioned around 23rd and 24th, respectively, with Chase Briscoe of JGR in 27th.#phoenix_raceway #tyler_reddick #23xi_racing #daytona_international_speedway #chase_ellipsis
Michael Jordan's NASCAR Ownership Marks New Chapter in Sports Legacy Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball icon, has found new success beyond the court as an owner in the NASCAR world. His 23XI Racing team, which he co-owns, has made headlines after its driver, Tyler Reddick, secured his third consecutive victory in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Jordan’s venture into stock car racing, which has gained momentum since he stepped away from basketball ownership. Jordan’s basketball career remains a defining chapter in sports history. He led the University of North Carolina to a National Championship and later dominated the NBA, winning six championships with the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. His 6-for-6 record in NBA Finals appearances, including two three-peat streaks (1991–1993 and 1996–1998), solidified his status as one of the greatest players of all time. However, his post-basketball career in ownership has been a different story. Jordan’s ownership of the Charlotte Hornets faced challenges, culminating in his decision to sell the team in 2023. Interestingly, the Hornets have since enjoyed their best season since the 2016 playoff run, raising questions about the impact of his departure. Despite this, Jordan’s foray into NASCAR has shown promise. Reddick’s recent dominance, including his third straight win, highlights the potential of Jordan’s team. In a recent interview with ESPN, Jordan reflected on his role as an owner, stating, “I just put up the money. Denny’s (Hamlin) done an incredible job building this team.” His comments underscore the collaborative nature of his NASCAR venture, where strategic leadership and talent development have been key.#michael_jordan #tyler_reddick #nascar_cup_series #23xi_racing #charlotte_hornets
Michael Jordan Makes History Sunday in Post-Basketball Career Michael Jordan’s post-basketball career has taken an unexpected turn as he continues to make headlines in a different sport. On Sunday, his NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, celebrated a significant milestone when driver Tyler Reddick secured his third consecutive victory in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. This achievement marks the first time in the series’ history that a driver has won three races in a row to start a season, a feat that has drawn comparisons to Jordan’s legendary three-peat in the NBA. Jordan, who retired from professional basketball in 2003, has since ventured into ownership, first with the Charlotte Hornets and later with his NASCAR team. His ownership of the Hornets faced challenges, as the team struggled financially before he sold it in 2023. However, his current venture in motorsports has seen more success. Reddick’s dominance on the track has positioned Jordan’s team as a top contender, with the former NBA star crediting his driver’s efforts. “I just put up the money,” Jordan said in an interview with ESPN, acknowledging Reddick’s role in building the team’s success. Jordan’s legacy in basketball remains unparalleled, with his record of six NBA Finals appearances and five championships still unmatched. His ability to dominate in the postseason has fueled debates about his status as the greatest of all time, even as comparisons to LeBron James persist. While James is often praised for his versatility and longevity, Jordan’s scoring prowess and clutch performances in high-stakes games continue to set him apart. Despite his success in NASCAR, questions remain about whether Jordan will return to basketball ownership. His experience with the Hornets suggests he may not, but his influence on the sport remains evident.#michael_jordan #tyler_reddick #nascar_cup_series #23xi_racing #charlotte_hornets
23XI Racing Challenges NASCAR's 'Big Three' Dominance The traditional "Big Three" of NASCAR—Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske—have long been the dominant forces in the sport, but 23XI Racing is emerging as a serious contender for inclusion in that elite group. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic argues that the team’s recent success has positioned it as a potential "Big Four" in the sport, citing its consistent performance and growing reputation. Bianchi highlighted the team’s rise over the past six seasons, noting that 23XI has steadily improved and now competes at a level comparable to the top three organizations. During a conversation on The Teardown, Bianchi posed a question to Denny Hamlin after the Atlanta race: “We talk a lot about the Big Three in this sport, is now we need to be talking about the Big Four?” Hamlin’s response, while cautious, acknowledged that the label is typically reserved for teams with frequent race wins and championships. However, Bianchi emphasized that 23XI’s achievements—such as Bubba Wallace’s Brickyard 400 victory in 2025, the Daytona 500 win, and a road course triumph—demonstrate their growing influence. The team’s 2026 season has already seen remarkable progress. Tyler Reddick, driving the No. 45 car, has secured back-to-back-to-back victories at Atlanta and COTA, marking his first three-race sweep in NASCAR history. Reddick’s dominance has propelled him to the top of the points standings, while Wallace, who finished 11th in the latest race, remains second. Together, they have established 23XI as the team to beat in the early part of the season. Despite their success, the team’s journey has been anything but easy. 23XI Racing entered NASCAR in 2021, and it took three years for the organization to secure its first regular-season championship in 2024.#team_penske #denny_hamlin #joe_gibbs_racing #23xi_racing #hendrick_motorsports
23XI Racing Challenges NASCAR’s “Big Three” Dominance The traditional “Big Three” of NASCAR—Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske—have long been the sport’s dominant forces, but 23XI Racing is emerging as a serious contender for inclusion in the conversation. Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic argues that the team’s rapid rise over the past six seasons has blurred the lines between the top echelon of NASCAR teams. Bianchi’s perspective was shaped by his conversation with Denny Hamlin after the Atlanta race, where Hamlin initially dismissed the idea of a “Big Four.” However, Bianchi contends that 23XI’s consistent performance and achievements warrant reevaluating the status quo. Bianchi highlighted 23XI’s accomplishments, including Bubba Wallace’s victory at the Brickyard 400 last year, the Daytona 500 win, and a road course triumph. He also pointed to Tyler Reddick’s regular season championship in 2024, despite going winless in 2025. “This isn’t like they just came out of nowhere,” Bianchi said on The Teardown. “They’ve been gradually getting better, and Bubba Wallace is second in points. This team is doing something special.” While 23XI hasn’t yet reached the level of Hendrick, Gibbs, or Penske, Bianchi suggests they are closing the gap. The 2026 season has already seen 23XI make a strong statement. Reddick, driving the No. 45 car, has captured three consecutive wins, starting with Atlanta and continuing at COTA. Wallace, meanwhile, remains a key figure for the organization, with his performance in the Daytona 500 and ongoing contributions to the team’s success. Reddick and Wallace currently lead the points standings after three races, positioning 23XI as the team to beat in the early part of the season.#team_penske #denny_hamlin #joe_gibbs_racing #23xi_racing #hendrick_motorsports
How an Antitrust Lawsuit from Michael Jordan Reshaped NASCAR NASCAR, the governing body for premier stock car racing, found itself at the center of a high-profile antitrust lawsuit brought by NBA icon Michael Jordan. The case centered on whether NASCAR engaged in anticompetitive practices that harmed the teams competing in its events. The dispute revolved around a take-it-or-leave-it contract offer presented by NASCAR to its team owners as the 2024 season came to an end. The offer, with a deadline of midnight on September 6, 2024, required teams to agree to a provision that barred them from bringing antitrust claims against NASCAR. Thirteen teams accepted the offer, but two—23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports—refused and filed a private antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. The lawsuit alleged that NASCAR had gained control over race venues, equipment, and the teams themselves, effectively eliminating opportunities for teams to supply their services outside of NASCAR. NASCAR owned a significant number of the venues and had exclusive contracts with many others it did not own. Additionally, the organization required all teams to invest in cars that embodied “Next Gen” technology, which NASCAR controlled through patents and intellectual property. This created barriers for teams seeking to join a rival league, as the investment in specialized equipment and the associated learning curve made it costly to compete outside of NASCAR. William S. Beinecke, a professor of economics and management, testified in the case. He was contacted by Jeffrey Kessler, the lawyer representing Michael Jordan and the other plaintiffs.#michael_jordan #23xi_racing #nascar #william_s_beinecke #front_row_motorsports
How an Antitrust Lawsuit from Michael Jordan Reshaped NASCAR NASCAR, the governing body for premier stock car racing, found itself at the center of a high-profile antitrust lawsuit brought by NBA icon Michael Jordan. The case centered on whether NASCAR engaged in anticompetitive practices that harmed the teams competing in its races. The dispute arose as NASCAR presented team owners with a take-it-or-leave-it contract offer just before the end of the 2024 season. The deadline for signing was midnight on September 6, 2024, and failure to sign meant teams would be excluded from the 2025 season. In exchange for participation, teams had to agree to a provision that barred them from bringing antitrust claims against NASCAR. NASCAR owned a significant number of race venues and held exclusive contracts with many others it did not own. Additionally, the organization required all teams to invest in cars that incorporated “Next Gen” technology, which NASCAR controlled through patents and intellectual property. This created barriers for teams seeking to compete outside of NASCAR. Thirteen teams signed the contract, but two—23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports—refused and filed a private antitrust lawsuit. They alleged that NASCAR had effectively eliminated opportunities for teams to operate independently by controlling venues, equipment, and team operations. The case brought in expert testimony from William S. Beinecke, a professor of economics and management, who was contacted by Jeffrey Kessler, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs. Kessler, known for his work in antitrust litigation, had previously been involved in cases that led to free agency in the NFL and greater autonomy for NCAA athletes.#michael_jordan #23xi_racing #nascar #front_row_motorsports #william_s_beinecke
