During a challenging race night at Bristol in 2023, a memorable
“Kevin Harvick Michael Jordan Bristol moment”
unfolded as Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing and basketball legend, surprised retiring NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick with an impromptu pep talk. The moment, which came right after Harvick bowed out of the NASCAR playoffs, revealed not only the supportive side of Jordan but also brought a new perspective to Harvick’s storied racing career.
Harvick—renowned for his fierce competitive spirit since his debut win in 2001 and a career including 60 Cup Series victories and the 2014 championship—was enduring a low point as he exited the 2023 Bristol race. As he left the tunnel with his head down, Harvick recounted how a large hand on his shoulder signaled unexpected encouragement from Michael Jordan, an NBA icon often known for his own intense drive and competitiveness, but also steadily carving a place within NASCAR through his organization, 23XI Racing.
Michael Jordan Lends Support During Harvick’s Difficult Farewell Race
In the aftermath of a grueling 29th-place finish at Bristol that ended his run in the playoffs, Kevin Harvick described in the Happy Hour podcast how the encounter with Michael Jordan significantly improved his outlook that night. The disappointment from missing out on further playoff contention weighed on Harvick, who called the day miserable as he reflected on the effort that fell short in his last season with Stewart-Haas Racing. Harvick shared the details of this defining moment:
“You just got to be proud of everything that you’ve done. Don’t worry about what happened today,”
—Michael Jordan, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
Jordan’s words, delivered as they walked together from the tunnel toward the motorhome lot, instantly shifted the emotional energy of the evening for Harvick. According to Harvick, the basketball legend’s knowledge of the garage atmosphere and commitment to understanding both drivers and the broader NASCAR scene became clear during their walk. Although Jordan had only entered the NASCAR sphere as a co-owner with Denny Hamlin in 2021, his influence and style brought another dimension to interactions in the paddock. Harvick further recalled:
“Michael talked to me all the way out of that tunnel. Just he was kind of like the counselor between the exit of the garage back to the motorhome lot,”
—Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Driver
Harvick emphasized that Jordan’s caring approach went beyond their personal connection, highlighting that Jordan paid close attention to what was happening in the NASCAR garage and isn’t shy about expressing support where needed. This rare interaction allowed Harvick, a driver who stepped into the sport’s limelight after replacing Dale Earnhardt Sr. in 2001, to witness a side of Jordan focused on uplifting competitors facing tough moments—a notable departure from the image of an aggressive sports icon seen during his Chicago Bulls glory days.
This encounter reinforced the combination of Jordan’s multiple roles: a legendary figure guiding his 23XI Racing team and a source of inspiration for fellow competitors. Harvick’s own career achievements—such as starting with his emotional Atlanta win in the wake of Earnhardt’s tragic passing, claiming 60 Cup Series victories, and closing out with a season that featured six top-fives and 14 top-10s—gained further context and appreciation due to Jordan’s perspective. Harvick stated:
“He knows what’s happening in the garage. He knows he may not know you personally, but he knows about you. He knows about the drivers. He knows about the sport.”
—Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Driver
Jordan’s motivational approach, shaped by experiences leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, clearly resonated during this low moment for Harvick. The conversation at Bristol provided not just comfort, but a lasting reminder that a single race doesn’t define a career, especially one worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.
Persistent Challenges for 23XI Racing Amid NASCAR Charter Dispute
The personal exchange between Harvick and Jordan took place against a backdrop of turmoil for 23XI Racing and its co-owner. In a recent Happy Hour episode, Harvick reflected on the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Michael Jordan’s long-term commitment to NASCAR, given the hurdles facing his racing team. Referencing the high-profile legal case filed by 23XI and Front Row Motorsports in October 2024—an antitrust lawsuit challenging NASCAR’s charter agreement system—Harvick openly discussed the complex position in which teams like 23XI find themselves:
“I think that he’s been in some moments like this, with the NBAPA and the league, in the past. But man, it sure seems like it’s not going the way that they thought it was going to go,”
—Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Driver
The court battle, which erupted after certain teams refused NASCAR’s proposed charter deal and faced the risk of losing their chartered status for the 2025 season, resulted in a legal reprieve on December 18, 2024. This court-ordered injunction temporarily allowed 23XI and others to compete as chartered teams despite the unresolved antitrust claims.
Harvick explained that such turbulence doesn’t just impact the management or legal teams, but extends deeply into the team’s structure—from sponsorship negotiations to retaining top-tier driving talent and staff. The ongoing struggle, even in the face of on-track success like Tyler Reddick’s regular-season title and playoff runs for both Reddick and Bubba Wallace, places tremendous pressure on Jordan and his organization. Harvick acknowledged:
“I think it’s affecting their teams. The performance of their teams. Where they are right now, being unchartered and losing their charters, how do you sell sponsorship? How do you keep your drivers? How do you keep your employees?”
—Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Driver
Despite having expanded to a three-car operation for 2025 and making shrewd acquisitions such as purchasing a charter from Stewart-Haas, 23XI Racing continues to feel the impact of the prolonged dispute. The final resolution is now expected to be determined in a trial scheduled for December 1, 2025, with the fallout raising questions about the viability of operations and the future composition of the NASCAR Cup Series garage.
While some doubt Jordan’s willingness to remain in NASCAR if setbacks persist, Harvick recognized the continued determination Jordan has shown throughout his diverse sporting and business career. Reflecting on Jordan’s public statements and history, Harvick noted:
“I don’t know how frustrated Michael gets, but everything that we’ve heard him say is he’s in it for the long haul, but we’ll find out,”
—Kevin Harvick, Retired NASCAR Driver
Jordan’s commitment, reaffirmed by his statements in August 2025 emphasizing a struggle to better the sport, is set against the scrutiny of fans, corporate sponsors, and the broader racing community. The contractual extension of Tyler Reddick with 23XI through 2027 is one recent sign that Jordan’s organization continues to look toward the future, despite persistent legal and operational uncertainty.
The Broader Impact of Harvick and Jordan’s Bristol Night
The
“Kevin Harvick Michael Jordan Bristol moment”
serves as a unique illustration of sportsmanship, resilience, and the significance of personal connection inside high-pressure environments. For Harvick—a driver who has faced the loss of a racing legend, the expectations of sudden stardom, and the relentless grind of over two decades at NASCAR’s highest level—Jordan’s unexpected show of empathy became an important footnote in his final season.
As both men move forward—Harvick into his post-racing chapter and Jordan leading 23XI Racing through its current legal and competitive trials—this moment at Bristol stands out as a reminder that the experiences outside the spotlight sometimes have as much impact as the statistics alone. The NASCAR community, including teammates like Denny Hamlin, young stars such as Tyler Reddick, and fan-favorites like Bubba Wallace, will continue to watch how Jordan and 23XI Racing navigate challenges both on and off the track, all while reflecting on the power a simple, well-timed pep talk can have on even the most seasoned of competitors.
