23XI Racing might not be title contenders yet, but nobody can deny that Michael Jordan has been a great addition to NASCAR. The NBA star is among the most popular celebrities in the world and for him to invest in the stock car racing sport can lead to international stardom. The team can expand into other motorsports competitions around the world and fans will be interested to see how they perform thanks to the Jordan name. As per team president Steve Lauletta, that’s something everyone involved with the sport should be proud of.
23XI Racing’s win could be a win for NASCAR in the long run
At the Talladega Superspeedway, Michael Jordan experienced his first race win as a team owner in person and his passion was laid bare for everyone out there to see. It’s safe to say that Tyler Reddick gave his boss of the best days of his life. However, it wasn’t just a win-win situation for only 23XI Racing. The basketball legend’s presence is a big deal for NASCAR as well.
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As countless photos and videos of Jordan at Talladega float around on social media, surely the NBA community would’ve taken notice of their beloved star walking all over the pit area. Additionally, with dwindling viewership for NASCAR races, could MJ’s presence mean bigger things for the sport in the future? We’ll have to wait and watch, but as per Lauletta, 23XI Racing and NASCAR is certainly lucky to have him.
“I believe it’s a great thing for NASCAR in general. Having somebody so supportive of the sport to become an owner like Michael did with Denny. The personality and notoriety that he brings to the sport because of his passion for it. And therefore the covets comes from Michael Jordan being an owner in NASCAR, I hope that everybody in the all of Daytona are thanking their lucky stars that he chose this sport to grow up as a big fan of and want to be an owner in, as you heard him say in his interview with Jamie Little,” the team president said on SiriusXM Radio.
Furthermore, Lauletta also mentioned how NASCAR has also proved to be the respite that Jordan needs. Perhaps Tyler Reddick’s recent win at Talladega was just what the legend needed. “It scratches the competitive itch that he always had and we couldn’t be happier that he was excited as he was. He was as thrilled as he was to be there with us for his first win in person,” Lauletta revealed.
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To Jordan, this felt like an NBA playoff game or at least that’s what he said. With Reddick’s son Beau perched on his shoulder, the basketball legend was all smiles as he thanked his business partner for opening up the opportunity for the race victory.
Michael Jordan thanks Denny Hamlin for wrecking at Talladega
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Denny Hamlin was not able to finish the Talladega race since he wrecked, but it was that moment that allowed Tyler Reddick the chance to fight for the lead and he took full opportunity. While you never want to see your friends wreck in a race, the NBA legend was more than happy to thank Hamlin for wrecking and it made for a hilarious moment.
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“Denny keeps saying I was bad luck when I come to the track, and today we proved him wrong. Actually, he did a good job by wrecking so we can get up front. That was actually pretty good. But I think Tyler did a good job. Unfortunately, Bubba couldn’t finish. But the whole team did a good job. And look, I’m very happy to be here to see it. Everybody tells me when we win, we can have a good celebration. But this is the first time I’ve been here. And to my wife and my kids and everybody: Yeah, we did it!” Michael Jordan said as per NASCAR.
It will be interesting to see what the future holds for 23XI Racing, but for now, they can bask in the glory of a fantastic race win. Will the Toyota team be Cup Series title contenders this year? Let us know your predictions!