Brad Keselowski on Michael Jordan is a topic gaining traction throughout NASCAR, as Keselowski openly credits Jordan’s involvement with raising the sport’s profile. Since becoming co-owner of 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan has not only sparked greater interest in the NASCAR Cup Series but also helped elevate his team, with driver Tyler Reddick notching three wins early in the season.
Keselowski, himself a prominent driver and part-owner of RFK Racing, has observed that Jordan’s presence, as well as the attention he brings from both fans and business leaders, has given NASCAR notable momentum. Michael Jordan’s commitment to his team, the challenge of traveling across the country, and the allure of his iconic brand are all contributing to NASCAR’s current surge in popularity.
Active Involvement Sets Michael Jordan Apart
Keselowski points out that Michael Jordan’s hands-on approach is a rarity among team owners. Unlike many in his position, Jordan can be spotted at the racetrack throughout the season, personally supporting his team and engaging with key stakeholders. This regular attendance, according to Keselowski, has made a significant difference in how the 23XI Racing team is perceived and in how the broader NASCAR community views his role.
“I mean, it is hard to argue against Michael having a positive influence on this sport. You know, I love the fact that he’s so engaged at races, and I just can’t emphasize enough how important it is not only for Michael but for any of the key stakeholders to have physical presence at the racetrack. And that’s at all levels, not just the team owner level,”
Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver and RFK Racing co-owner, said.
Jordan’s commitment is reflected in the long weekends he spends at NASCAR events, which require time and energy that few with his accomplishments would devote to such a demanding schedule.
“So for him to have physical presence, I think, is a testament to his fortitude for being part of the sport because, let’s face it, although he won his first three races, he lost a lot more as every car owner will. It’s not a dig on him. And if I’m a guy like him personally and wake up and say where do I want to be today and I know that I have less than a 10% chance of winning, flying my butt all across the country when I have all the things Michael has is probably something that takes me a minute to emotionally justify,”
Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver and RFK Racing co-owner, commented.
The Demands of Running a NASCAR Team
According to Keselowski, NASCAR team ownership is not for the faint of heart. The Cup Series schedule is relentless, and managing a team means dealing with constant pressure for strong performance, managing staff such as drivers and crew, and maintaining relationships with sponsors. For every victory, there are countless weekends where the hard work does not translate to a win, underscoring the sport’s inherent challenges.
Keselowski admires Jordan’s ability to handle these demands, noting that his determination stands out in an environment where the odds for winning are slim but the effort required is immense.
“But he does, and I’ll give him a lot of respect and credit for that because the sport is a grind not just for the people that work in it but also for the key stakeholders, be it team owners, executives, etc. So he’s made the decision and choice to participate at a high level, to be engaged,”
Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver and RFK Racing co-owner, explained.
Team owners like Jordan spend their race weekends at the track, often balancing those duties with significant work responsibilities throughout the week, highlighting the dedication required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
Michael Jordan’s Broader Influence Across NASCAR
Michael Jordan’s global profile brings an added dimension to NASCAR, which benefits from his business reputation and worldwide fan base. Keselowski believes that the exposure Jordan brings is invaluable for both the sport and his team.
“The fringe benefit for the sport is the brand that he has outside of it, which naturally comes with him, which is, I think, a great thing. I’m happy for him, and I’m happy for the sport. And I think it’s hard to see any negatives. I’m sure there’s probably some out there, but I don’t see ’em and, you know, generally happy he’s part of our sport,”
Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series driver and RFK Racing co-owner, shared.
Michael Jordan’s ongoing commitment keeps 23XI Racing and the NASCAR Cup Series in the spotlight, drawing interest not just from existing fans but from new audiences around the globe. For NASCAR, this kind of sustained attention and expanded reach is a significant and positive development.
Jordan’s partnership with co-owner Denny Hamlin and his support of drivers like Tyler Reddick reflect a broader engagement that encourages others in the industry to aspire to similar standards of leadership and involvement, setting a new benchmark for what it means to be a NASCAR team owner.
Michael Jordan's presence is changing NASCAR.
Brad Keselowski approves. 👏 pic.twitter.com/jGPDFnlxmm
— Motorsport (@Motorsport) March 8, 2026
