Michael Jordan, celebrated worldwide for his six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, took an unexpected path in 2021, stepping into the high-speed world of NASCAR as co-founder of 23XI Racing. Inspired by childhood road trips across North Carolina and South Carolina, where his father packed the family into a Chrysler Plymouth for stock car racing adventures, Jordan’s entry into NASCAR comes from a place of authentic passion. More than just a sports legend’s latest investment, 23XI Racing represents a return to roots for Jordan, combining deep family ties with his drive for competition.
Years before becoming an NBA icon, Jordan was drawn to the rumbling excitement of the race track. “I grew up a Nascar fan,” he noted in a 2017 interview, fondly remembering how his father’s love for racing left a lasting impression. He named Richard Petty as his favorite driver, and those family outings became more than just tradition—they planted the seeds for Jordan’s future role as a NASCAR team owner. The connection with his father made racing more than a pastime, infusing it with personal significance that has influenced key decisions in his life.
After his basketball career, Jordan was already exploring motorsports, even starting his own team in the early 2000s that competed through 2013. This history set the stage for a much bigger leap: a partnership with star driver Denny Hamlin to form 23XI Racing. The team made its high-stakes debut at the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series, drawing immediate attention not only for its famous founders, but also for its commitment to diversity and pushing boundaries within the sport.
The competitive fire that defined Jordan’s basketball career is evident in his racing ambitions. Although 23XI Racing has yet to clinch a NASCAR Cup Championship, the team’s recent performance proves its potential. In 2024, 23XI Racing achieved a strong 6th place finish in the championship standings, a significant milestone and a clear signal that the team is on the rise. As the 2025 season gets started, fans and analysts alike watch with anticipation, sensing that, with Jordan involved, trophies may be within reach.
Jordan’s personal investment in racing runs deep. As he shared with FOX Sports in 2024, “I’ve been a fan for so long. And I’m always going to be that. Making money or losing money, I’m going to be a fan of NASCAR. This is authenticity in the making for me that I’m involved in something that I truly, truly love and I wake up each and every weekend looking forward to each and every race.” For him, 23XI Racing isn’t just a business—it’s a heartfelt continuation of the joy he found in racing as a child, and a public extension of a family legacy.
Bringing in top drivers like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing has become a contender, challenging the status quo and injecting fresh excitement into the NASCAR circuit. Whether or not a championship arrives soon, the presence of Michael Jordan and the rise of 23XI Racing are shaping the future of the sport, energizing fans, and proving that the core of the journey is the passion fueling it. Jordan’s story, from road trips to race tracks, continues to inspire, serve as an example of how lifelong enthusiasm can turn into game-changing ventures.
