In the world of NASCAR, paint schemes often tell stories. But Tyler Reddick’s 2025 Chicago Street Race livery didn’t just tell a story—it made a statement. Behind the wheel of the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE, Reddick rolled out a bold, rebellious Air Jordan-themed design inspired by the shoe that revolutionized basketball culture. It wasn’t just a tribute to sneaker history—it was a layered message, tying together the legacy of Michael Jordan, the branding power of Nike, and the ongoing battles of 23XI Racing.
Key Highlights
Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE featured a special Air Jordan scheme at the 2025 Chicago Street Race.
The design commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1 with a “Banned” sneaker aesthetic.
Black tape and the word “Unbannable” hinted at both Jordan’s NBA controversy and 23XI Racing’s charter dispute with NASCAR.
Fans and media praised the creative rollout and its deeper symbolism, even as Reddick focused on global inspiration.
The Legacy Behind the Livery
The Air Jordan 1 isn’t just a sneaker—it’s a symbol. In the 1980s, the NBA famously told Michael Jordan he couldn’t wear his original red-and-black Nikes on the court. But Nike paid the fines anyway, and a movement was born. That defiance—stylish, commercial, and deeply personal—became the backbone of the Air Jordan brand, which now inspires everything from fashion to motorsport.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the Air Jordan 1, Jordan Brand teamed up with 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by Michael Jordan himself, to craft a paint scheme that paid homage to that pivotal moment. The scheme was a visual callback to the “Banned” Air Jordan 1s—complete with red, white, and black styling and even black tape covering the Jumpman logo, much like how the NBA rejected the shoe’s original look.
The word “Unbannable” appeared on the rear bumper—a nod not only to Jordan’s defiance of league rules but to the spirit of resilience that 23XI Racing has come to represent.
More Than a Paint Scheme
While the Air Jordan tie-in was eye-catching, there was more beneath the surface. The timing of the rollout coincided with 23XI Racing’s legal battles against NASCAR regarding team charter rights. Some fans and media figures saw the “Unbannable” motif as more than marketing—it was a subtle protest, a reminder that the team founded by a global icon wouldn’t back down from a fight.
Even the execution had flair. In a clip shared by Fox’s Bob Pockrass, viewers got a detailed look at the car, complete with a comically customized license plate, further leaning into the campaign’s swagger. The synergy between sports legacy and racing ambition couldn’t have been more evident.
A look at the Tyler Reddick scheme — another Air Jordan scheme for Chicago race — for this weekend. Stay to the end and see the license plate lol. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/DqtobYOPQQ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) July 4, 2025
Nike’s marketing mirrored this layered approach. In the weeks leading up to the race, “banned” tape was placed over Jordan 1s on Nike’s website. At the United Center in Chicago, even the statue of Michael Jordan had its shoes “banned.” NASCAR’s Chicago event became the crown jewel of this campaign—fitting, given Jordan’s own roots in the city.
Tyler Reddick’s Chicago Redemption Still Elusive
After debuting the Air Jordan scheme at the 2025 Chicago Street Race, Reddick was no stranger to pressure on the Windy City’s tight corners. His connection with the Jordan Brand dates back at least a year—and so does his frustration.
Following his second-place finish in the 2024 Chicago Street Race, Reddick delivered a raw, emotional interview that still resonates with fans:
“Yeah, I’m upset. I was catching Alex (Bowman) by a large margin there… Just not focused enough, I guess.”
“unfortunately, with that. Hate it. Not what this Jordan Brand Toyota Camry is about, that’s not what this team is about. We’ve got to start capitalizing and getting these wins.” – Tyler Reddick
That moment—one of disappointment and determination—only added layers to the significance of returning to Chicago in a Jordan-themed car. The pressure to deliver, both for the brand and for 23XI’s growing expectations, remained high in 2025. Reddick may not have secured the win this time either, but his presence in the race—and the statement his car made—was impossible to ignore.
A Culture Moment for NASCAR
NASCAR isn’t always seen as the most fashion-forward or culturally dynamic motorsport—but partnerships like this one are changing that. The Air Jordan scheme brought a new audience to the Chicago Street Race, inviting sneakerheads, basketball fans, and streetwear followers to take a closer look at stock car racing.
As NASCAR continues to evolve and explore new markets, collaborations with iconic lifestyle brands like Jordan help bridge the gap between tradition and innovation. For younger fans or those unfamiliar with the sport’s intricacies, seeing a car inspired by Air Jordans is a powerful entry point.
News in Breif: Tyler Reddick’s Paint Scheme for Michael Jordan
Tyler Reddick’s Air Jordan 1 tribute at the 2025 Chicago Street Race was more than just a paint scheme. It was an intersection of culture, controversy, and competition—an homage to Michael Jordan’s rebellious rise and a subtle nod to 23XI Racing’s current challenges. Whether fans loved it for the design, the symbolism, or the street cred, one thing was clear: NASCAR made a statement in Chicago, and the No. 45 was the exclamation point.
ALSO READ: How to Watch NASCAR’s Chicago Street Races: TV Channels, Streaming Info, and Entry Lists
