Kevin Harvick, the retired NASCAR Cup Series driver, has offered significant NASCAR insights into what makes 23XI Racing the standout team early in the 2026 season. With Tyler Reddick making history by capturing victories in the first three races—including the prestigious Daytona 500—Harvick credits the synergy between co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin for the team’s remarkable rise.
Reddick’s Historic Streak Lifts 23XI Racing
Tyler Reddick has written his name into the record books by being the first Cup Series driver to open the season with three consecutive wins, including triumphs at Daytona and the Circuit of The Americas. This surge comes after a winless 2025 for the No. 45 driver, raising questions about the transformation within 23XI Racing.
Harvick Highlights the Power of 23XI Leadership
Looking closely at the team’s resurgence, Kevin Harvick points to the alliance between Denny Hamlin, a seasoned Cup Series veteran, and basketball legend Michael Jordan as crucial. According to Harvick, this combination of racing knowledge and resources gives the team a major advantage over competitors.
“That pairing of Denny Hamlin’s ability to understand the sport, Michael Jordan’s commitment to make sure that they have the funding and the things that they need to put those cars on the racetrack,”
Kevin Harvick said on his ‘Happy Hour Podcast.’
“So I think that pairing of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin is obviously dangerous.”
– Kevin Harvick, Retired Cup Series Driver
Team Owners Emphasize Mutual Respect
The partnership at the core of 23XI’s success thrives on deep respect and trust. Michael Jordan is described as believing that Hamlin’s expertise is the key to the team’s operations. For Hamlin, the ability to lead with Jordan’s autonomy and trust is central to his approach.
“It’s a perfect partnership,” Hamlin told the media.
“This doesn’t work out if he doesn’t give me a lot of autonomy. I wanted to make sure if it failed it was because of something I did.”
– Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing Co-Owner and Cup Series Driver
With such support behind the scenes, 23XI Racing’s position as the team to watch this season is firmly established.
What’s Next for 23XI Racing?
The next challenge for 23XI Racing is the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway. Scheduled for Sunday, March 8 at 3:30 pm ET, the 312-lap event presents another opportunity for the team to demonstrate its dominance. The race will be broadcast on FS1, with live radio updates available via MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring fans are kept fully informed as Reddick and the team try to extend their historic run.
Kevin Harvick Contemplates Return Amid Changing Landscape
After witnessing Tony Stewart’s recent decision to race in the Truck Series, Harvick, who officially stepped away from competition following the 2023 Cup Series season, began entertaining thoughts of his own return to the sport. His remarks on his podcast suggest a renewed sense of curiosity and motivation, even if only for a limited schedule.
“I might just make a comeback, why not? Tony Stewart is going to drive the truck race at Daytona. … I’m starting to get the bug again. … The Cup is too much work. What could I do to just get in and drive?”
– Kevin Harvick, Retired Cup Series Driver
If Harvick does come back, the most likely scenario would be a part-time role, potentially in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. At present, JR Motorsports, Richard Childress Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing are the only organizations entering part-time cars in that series, none of which compete under the Ford banner. As a free agent, Harvick could choose between driving a Camaro or a Camry, offering new possibilities for the veteran driver.
The Broader Significance for NASCAR
The meteoric rise of 23XI Racing and the leadership of figures like Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin have intensified competition within the Cup Series, raising the bar for what teams can achieve when sports acumen and financial backing intersect. Meanwhile, the prospect of Kevin Harvick’s potential return has stirred excitement and speculation, further heightening interest in an already compelling NASCAR campaign. Fans and stakeholders will be watching closely as storylines continue to develop at upcoming events like Phoenix Raceway and throughout the season.
23XI Racing's success comes from BOTH Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.@KevinHarvick | @wbuxtonofficial pic.twitter.com/WJvZCAji2l
— SPEED on FOX (@SPEEDonFOX) March 3, 2026
