Michael Strahan officially joined 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, during a live segment on Good Morning America. Strahan received a team jacket from driver Bubba Wallace, symbolizing his new role and commitment to the team. This partnership reflects 23XI Racing’s mission to promote diversity and fresh perspectives in the sport. Strahan’s involvement not only improves his visibility in motorsports but also embodies the team’s “no losers” mentality. There’s more to investigate about this exciting change.
Key Highlights
- Michael Strahan officially joined 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team co-founded by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, in August 2025.
- The announcement was made during a segment on Good Morning America, where Strahan received a team jacket from driver Bubba Wallace.
- Strahan’s new role symbolizes his integration into the NASCAR team and the sport’s expanding diversity.
- The event showcased camaraderie within the team, reflecting the “no losers” mentality that Michael Jordan instills in 23XI Racing.
- Strahan’s involvement enhances his visibility in motorsports, linking his athletic career with NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
MJ’s NASCAR Roots
Although Michael Jordan is often celebrated for his basketball achievements, his passion for NASCAR runs deep, rooted in his childhood experiences.
From an early age, Jordan was immersed in the world of racing, accompanying his family to iconic tracks such as Darlington, Charlotte, and Daytona. These early outings ignited a lifelong fascination with the sport.
“I grew up in NASCAR. My father used to pack the whole family in…We would just go and we’d spend the whole day. And from that point on, I’ve been hooked on NASCAR,” he reflected.
This enduring connection demonstrates how the thrill of racing became an integral part of his identity, illuminating a lesser-known side of the legendary athlete beyond the basketball court.
Launch of 23XI Racing
The launch of 23XI Racing marked a notable moment in NASCAR history, blending the worlds of sports and entertainment in a unique way.
In 2020, basketball icon Michael Jordan partnered with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin to establish this ambitious team, aiming to bring fresh perspectives and competitiveness to the racing circuit.
The inclusion of Bubba Wallace as the team’s driver highlighted the initiative’s commitment to diversity and cultural relevance.
Bubba Wallace’s role as the team’s driver underscores a commitment to diversity and resonating cultural relevance in NASCAR.
This collaboration not only signified Jordan’s deep-rooted passion for motorsports but also reflected a calculated move to attract a broader audience to NASCAR.
As the team continues to develop, it stands as a demonstration to the evolving landscape of racing, where athleticism meets pop culture in impactful ways.
Strahan’s Official Welcome
In August 2025, Michael Strahan officially joined the ranks of 23XI Racing, marking a notable milestone in his involvement with the team.
During a live segment on Good Morning America, driver Bubba Wallace presented Strahan with a team jacket, symbolizing his new role.
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“We wanna make you a part of the team,” Wallace declared, and Strahan, humorously appreciative, donned the jacket, exclaiming, “Oh, baby boy. Appreciate that.”
The exchange highlighted the fellowship within the team, with Wallace affirming, “Look at him, he’s official.”
Strahan’s playful response, wishing Wallace luck in the playoffs while cheekily urging Michael Jordan to “pay this man,” further solidified his integration into the 23XI Racing family, transcending mere apparel to embody a new identity.
Strahan’s Pace Car Spotlight
Michael Strahan’s recent appointment as the honorary pace car driver for the 109th Indianapolis 500 in 2024 represents a remarkable intersection of sports and celebrity.
This prestigious role sees Strahan leading a pack of 33 elite drivers in a high-octane display, demonstrating his ability to command attention beyond the football field.
Behind the wheel of a 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 coupe, featuring an astonishing 1,000 horsepower and a capability of reaching speeds up to 233 mph, Strahan will embody the thrill of racing.
His involvement not only enhances the event but also bridges his celebrated athletic career with the thrilling world of motorsports, marking a notable moment in both his life and the Indianapolis 500’s storied legacy.
The “No Losers” Mentality
While pursuing excellence, 23XI Racing embodies a “no losers” mentality that reflects its founders’ competitive spirit. This philosophy, championed by Michael Jordan, emphasizes a commitment to winning, resonating through the team’s achievements, including nine total wins since inception.
Bubba Wallace’s historic victories exemplify this drive, as he not only brings home trophies but also transforms the sport’s landscape.
Jordan’s mantra—“We don’t sign checks to losers”—underscores a culture where excellence is non-negotiable.
News In Brief: Michael Strahan’s NASCAR Debut Official Role Announced on GMA
Michael Strahan’s official announcement of his role within NASCAR marks an important milestone for both him and the sport. As he steps into this exciting venture, the legacy of Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing continues to thrive, blending sports and entertainment. Strahan’s enthusiasm for the pace car spotlight and his commitment to a “no losers” mentality resonate with fans and aspiring drivers similarly, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that drives NASCAR forward into a new era of inclusivity and engagement.
ALSO READ: Judge Denies NASCAR Motion Against 23XI Racing, Keeps Focus on Antitrust Claims
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. When was Michael Strahan on GMA?
A.Michael Strahan serves as co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and hosts the network’s primetime game show $100,000 Pyramid. Since joining GMA in 2016, he has reported on major events, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the death of George Floyd, the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory, and the passing of Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman.
Q. Are Robin Roberts and Michael Strahan still on GMA?
A. On Thursday’s broadcast, Good Morning America co-anchors announced they would be leaving the studio immediately after filming concluded.
Q. Why is Michael Strahan no longer on GMA?
A. Following a difficult year—welcoming a grandchild and supporting his daughter Isabella during her brain cancer battle—his priorities have changed. In a previous interview, he hinted at retirement, saying, “Time is the one thing that once it’s gone, you can never get it back.”
