Michael Jordan: From Basketball Legend to NASCAR Trailblazer
Michael Jordan, synonymous with basketball greatness, is now making waves in the world of NASCAR. Driven by a “competitive gene” he describes as a “curse,” Jordan isn’t just a team owner; he’s a force for change within the sport. His passion for racing, he reveals, stems from his late father, James, a skilled mechanic who instilled a love for cars and speed.
“He used to work on all the neighborhood cars… he would fix our cars. We would never send our car to the service. He would figure out a way to fix it,” Jordan shared with Gayle King in an interview at Phoenix Raceway. “So I think it gravitated into his love for cars. And he liked driving fast. My mom likes driving fast, too.”
The Birth of 23XI Racing
In 2020, Jordan co-founded 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion. The partnership began unexpectedly, sparked by a false article that caught Jordan’s attention. Hamlin recounts, “I saw an article that wasn’t true. Says, ‘Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are lookin’ to purchase a NASCAR team.’ I sent it to him. He says, ‘Not real, but if you want to make it real let me know.’”. From that simple exchange, a powerful team was born.
Challenging the Status Quo: The Antitrust Lawsuit
NASCAR, traditionally a family-owned and operated sport since 1948, introduced a charter system in 2016, aiming to provide teams with more stability and revenue. However, Jordan viewed this system as “lopsided” and “wrong.” In October 2024, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit, alleging that NASCAR operated like a monopoly, controlling access to tracks, supplies, and limiting team charters.
This bold move culminated in a landmark settlement in December 2025, granting all teams evergreen charters with improved terms. Jordan hailed the agreement as a “gamechanger,” stating it provides “flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans.” NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the commitment to preserving the sport’s value for generations to come.
“This fight was needed, you know? And I was going to fight even harder. And if I got kicked out, at least I made people aware that change needs to happen in the sport,” Jordan declared. “I think it’s lopsided.”
The Winning Mentality
Jordan’s competitive spirit is infectious, motivating his team to strive for excellence. Driver Tyler Reddick jokes, “You’re ready to run through a wall, first off,” when describing the impact of having Jordan as a boss. Hamlin emphasizes the importance of both victory and defeat, noting that “when you lose, there’s a sadness within the building. Which is necessary because when you lose you want to be sad.”
Beyond the Track: A Continued Drive
While Jordan acknowledges that his involvement in NASCAR hasn’t provided the “quieter life” he once envisioned, he embraces the spotlight and the opportunity to inspire his team. He recognizes that while it’s different from his days dominating the basketball court, it “keeps me alive.”
Despite his success in NASCAR, Jordan admits to still feeling a pull towards basketball. “But I’ve compensated that—that feeling through NASCAR or through fishing… But that urge to dream, that if I wish I can still pick up a basketball and… I would love to do that.”
The Legacy of a Legend
At 63, Michael Jordan remains a multifaceted figure, but he dismisses the notion of being the “G.O.A.T.” He believes in the continuous evolution of sports and the importance of learning from others. Looking back on his life and career, Jordan expresses contentment and gratitude. “If it ends today, you know, I will have a smile on my face, 100%.”
Learn more about Michael Jordan’s journey in NASCAR in the full interview on CBS News.
