“We’d Give Our Right N**” – Michael Jordan’s Daytona Debutant’s Story Reveals the True Inspiration Behind His “Bucket List” Move

In his stellar NBA career, Michael Jordan achieved plenty. Not only that, he continues to be an inspiration for many. As the owner of a Cup Series team, he inspired one of the drivers to set an example for his peers. In fact, the 23XI Racing racer’s debut at Daytona impressed the NASCAR world like anything. Not many are aware but there’s a deep-rooted story to it.

It is no secret that competing in NASCAR is not everyone’s cup of tea. While it all comes down to the skill behind the wheel, only the consistent motorsport drivers have survived. Every year the sport continues to write some fascinating stories.

Michael Jordan’s driver confesses the details behind his eye-catching NASCAR move

With 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin have created a perfect platform for drivers to prove their worth. While Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are deeply involved in making it big in the Cup Series, 23XI has seen some others also try their hand in NASCAR’s top division.

Earlier in January this year, Jordan and Hamlin’s team announced that they would be fielding a third car at the Daytona International Speedway. The man behind the steering wheel of the car was Travis Pastrana. For those unaware, Pastrana is an X-Games legend and a household name in the world of motocross and stunt performance.

The four-time Rally America champion had previously driven in NASCAR, having been a part-timer in the Craftsman Truck Series. However, it was his bucket list wish to be participating in the Daytona 500 someday. Luckily, 23XI Racing provided him with the opportunity and he grabbed it with both hands.

The outing turned out to be a memorable one for Pastrana as he finished 11th in his first-ever Cup Series race. Speaking about it in an interview with The Drive, the 39-year-old explained what motivates him to try out new challenges like he did with Daytona. He said, “Waking up with a passion. My uncle was one of the best athletes to ever come out of Maryland, like state champion wrestler, all-American lacrosse, football, and even [the] Denver Broncos quarterback for two years.”

He continued, “And he still ended up working construction. And my uncle Allen said, ‘Look, doesn’t matter how much money you’re getting paid, it’s not worth the injuries that I took as an athlete. But any day that you can do what you love to do, ride that train till the wheels fall off. Because the rest of us, we’d give our right n** to be able to just take one lap around Daytona.’ Or whatever it might be.”

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It was indeed a wonderful achievement for Pastrana to make it to NASCAR. In fact, he had some interesting things to say about the sport in the same interview.

Travis Pastrana gets candid speaking about his experience in NASCAR

A man of Travis Pastrana’s experience has seen it all. Being the amazing stunt and risk-taking personality he is, Pastrana sure does know a thing or two about the dynamics surrounding a motorsports car. He gave a brief idea of how NASCAR ranks differently among other motorsports in the interview with The Drive.

He said, “In supercross and motocross and rally, you could shift the gear. You could wheel the end and chances are you’re going to make the other side—and you’re going to make up two seconds in the process. If you’re only a half-second a lap off the best guys, all of a sudden you’re way out front. You can relegate that risk. But NASCAR, no one’s afraid of getting hurt there.”

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Pastrana continued, “You got the safety barriers, you got…A very safe car.” While it is interesting for him to say that, it is unknown if he would be ever back racing in a Cup Series car. Nevertheless, it is a fascinating story from a neutral point of view, speaking volumes of his capabilities.