23XI Uncovering Michael Jordan’s Superstar’s Embarrassing Era Leaves NASCAR Fans Howling

Everyone enjoys a good throwback! Whether it’s that forgotten Diecast that’s gathering dust on some corner shelf or an old photo that would leave one with plenty of divided emotions, nostalgia always finds an in-road. 23XI Racing is certainly riding high on it after Tyler Reddick brought home their first major trophy—the 2024 regular-season championship. And he did in the presence of both Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.

Less than five years ago, 23XI Racing was just a rumor. But now, as they enter the playoffs, the team is all smiles. However, in the thick of things, 23XI’s social team has overwhelmed the NASCAR community with a masterstroke on Throwback Thursday. From a long-haired Tyler Reddick rocking an Iron Maiden tee to a buzz-cut Bubba Wallace sporting flashy shades, even the drivers couldn’t help but blush after this hilarious PR stunt.

Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace visit pre-23XI Racing days

Things aren’t exactly rosy behind the scenes at 23XI Racing right now. While Tyler Reddick has delivered some key victories and kept the team’s dreams alive, his teammate Bubba Wallace has fallen short of securing a spot in the Round of 16, leaving him out of contention for the ultimate prize. As if that weren’t enough, a major rift has emerged between 23XI Racing and NASCAR over the recently updated charter deal that Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s ownership group refused to sign earlier this month. If an agreement isn’t reached soon, we could be looking at the unthinkable—23XI Racing may not be on the grid next year. It’s not just the future of two talented drivers that hangs in the balance but also the livelihoods of hundreds of employees working tirelessly week in and week out to field competitive cars.

Despite the uncertainty, both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are gearing up for next weekend’s race at Watkins Glen. Though the team has yet to snag a victory at The Glen, with two wins and a regular-season championship under their belt in 2024, 23XI Racing has proven they can’t be counted out. The #45 car and Tyler Reddick continue to fuel the team’s ambitions for greatness. To keep spirits high, the team’s social media crew recently got creative, having Reddick and Wallace participate in a lighthearted activity where they had to autograph old photos of themselves. A bit of fun in the midst of pressure, showing that while the stakes are high, the camaraderie within the team remains strong.

Bubba Wallace helped kick off the event as a picture of his earliest days in NASCAR was presented for a reveal and an autograph. With the first image, fans were treated to an up-and-coming Wallace, who stared at the picture momentarily and noted, “This was production day for 2011. Rev Racing I think.” In the next photograph, the #23 driver was seen sporting a trendy look donning a pair of wayfarer sunglasses. The man seemed taken aback by this blast from the past and mused, “I know which one this one is. That’s before lip injections were a thing…”

The Alabama native rolled with the punches and embraced these impressions of his youth. But his regular season champion teammate proved to be anything but easy to handle. Tyler Reddick was in visible embarrassment and turned ‘redder’ than usual. Initially, he even refused to take a look at the pictures. But once he flipped over the first sheet, Reddick appeared to have had enough. Crumpling up the first photograph into a ball and launching it at 23XI’s media employee asking the questions, the #45 driver was playfully flustered by images of his younger self. Back in the day, Reddick used to keep a thick golden mane that extended beyond his shoulders. Some might remember that unforgettable ’80s rockstar-esque look during his early ARCA days.

While Reddick might not have been too receptive to this healthy dose of nostalgia, fans were buzzing when 23XI Racing shared the video on Instagram.

Social media throwback sparks fan frenzy

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From the moment, the post went live, thousands started interacting with its relatable, yet rare content. One fan who seemed to love the idea from 23XI Racing, wrote, “Anytime anyone’s egos get too big, there’s ALWAYS the old promo or childhood photos to bring it back down. That goes for ALL of us 😂.” Another bought into the #45 driver’s second-hand embarrassment and opined, “Y’all did Reddick dirty lol.” Even more reminisced “That is how I will always see Tyler 😅 🤣🥹 driving a late model with long hair” 

This particular fan who went by the Instagram username, @micahjamyson stated, “I remember getting to cut your hair off @tyler_reddick …. Can’t believe that was over 10 years ago!'” To verify something like that would take its due time, yet to find an anecdote as such across the fan reactions was truly a welcome sight. Others commented things like, “😂😂😂😂 there’s the little kid who used to yell into the microphone playing cod.” On the other hand, a notable few were enthusiastic about “Tyler in the Maiden T-shirt” as it certainly had made the days of many.

Regardless, these light-hearted activities around and about the garages of 23XI Racing serve as a healthy respite from all the drama surrounding their on-track fate.