From basketball to competitive racing, Michael Jordan seeks to be the leader of the pack.
Everyone knows Michael Jordan’s basketball accolades speak volumes, and he has had numerous successful business endeavors, including a NASCAR team.
Jordan started a company called 23XI Racing, which is pronounced twenty-three eleven. Co-founded with three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin, the team’s name combines Jordan’s iconic NBA jersey number, 23, and Hamlin’s long-standing car number, 11.
Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, Riley Herbst, and Corey Heim comprise the team’s drivers. A few seasons have come and gone, and the team has done well enough to reach the top standings. In 2026, the team achieved its ultimate goal: 23XI won the Daytona 500. The winning moment came when Reddick, driving the No. 45 car, executed a last-lap pass to win, which was his only lap led during the entire race.
Jordan, who celebrated his 63rd birthday week with the win, said the victory felt as significant to him as winning the NBA Finals.
I think this is awesome! I follow MJ and I knew this. If I’m not mistaken, I think one of his drivers won the first three races in a row. Giving him 2-3 peats in the NBA and one in racing. Thanks for the article Matthew Paris.