In 2021, Kurt Busch joined 23XI Racing, a NASCAR team started by NBA legend Michael Jordan and racing veteran Denny Hamlin, marking a unique chapter in Kurt Busch’s NASCAR career. The move drew attention not only for Busch’s on-track record but also for personal encouragement he received from Jordan, whose words left a lasting impression on the driver.
A Legendary Driver Joins a Star-Studded Team
By the time Busch signed with 23XI Racing, he had already achieved 33 Cup Series victories and captured a Cup championship. This considerable experience was highly valued by his new employers, who hoped Busch’s knowledge and competitive drive would help uplift the relatively new organization. While Hamlin focused on Busch bringing a championship-level approach and technical insight to the team, Michael Jordan’s method of motivation stood out in a more personal, impactful way.
Michael Jordan’s Approach and Early Impressions
As Busch reflected on joining 23XI Racing in a recent NASCAR video, he described his early interactions with Jordan—a moment that left him both starstruck and inspired. The driver recalled his nerves and awe at meeting the basketball superstar, stating,
“MJ’s so cool. There’s only a few people in the world that have that aura. When I first signed on to race for him, I was a bit nervous. Holy crap, here he is. And when he shakes my hand, it was like three hand sizes of mine. I’m like, ‘Whoa!’”
— Kurt Busch
Busch recounted another memorable exchange, in which Jordan explained the reason for bringing the veteran driver on board:
“Why we want to hire you to start this second car at 23XI cuz you race like I played the game of basketball. You race from your heart.”
— Michael Jordan
Reflecting on that conversation, Busch said,
“I about melted. It defined my 30 years out on the racetrack. That’s who I am. I raced from here,”
— Kurt Busch,
gesturing to his chest to emphasize his passion and authenticity on the track.
23XI Racing Performance and Difficult Setbacks
Busch completed 20 starts for 23XI Racing, contributing a milestone victory at Kansas and achieving five top-five finishes across Phoenix, Atlanta, Gateway, and Nashville Superspeedway during the 2022 season. However, a qualifying crash at Pocono Raceway resulted in him not being medically cleared to race, ultimately causing him to miss the rest of the season.
After the incident at Pocono, Busch did not return to driving in NASCAR’s top series. By October 2022, he announced that he would step back from full-time racing duties for the 2023 season, leaving open only possibilities for occasional part-time appearances.
Continuing Influence Beyond the Driver’s Seat
Even though Busch no longer competed on the racetrack, his connection with 23XI Racing endured. When the organization celebrated its fifth anniversary in October 2025, Busch sent a message to the team, expressing his pride in helping to shape the No. 45 program and encouraging his colleagues to keep pushing forward—especially as the team faced ongoing legal challenges with NASCAR at the time. In his words, he urged, let’s keep it going.
Kurt Busch’s journey with 23XI Racing illustrates how personal inspiration from icons like Michael Jordan can shape and energize even the most accomplished athletes, reinforcing the lasting impact of passion and mentorship within the demanding world of NASCAR.
