As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season prepares to rev its engines, Michael Jordan is once again at the center of the action. The co-owner of 23XI Racing is known for taking bold risks, both on the basketball court and in the world of motorsport. He has built his legacy by defying norms, making waves, and doing things his way.

Ahead of the upcoming Clash at the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium, Jordan is once again making headlines for his brand of swagger. As Jordan’s 23XI Racing has unveiled a bold new paint scheme for Tyler Reddick’s car, the thought behind it is making waves on social media.

23XI set to show off Michael Jordan’s legacy

The upcoming Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium is no ordinary event. NASCAR returns to the track after a hiatus of 54 years, and it has already created a massive buzz. However, Tyler Reddick’s new paint scheme, featuring the iconic Jump Man logo, has ignited a massive buzz on social media. Days after a controversial release, the car made its way to the Bowman Gray Stadium with the “UNBANNABLE” message.

NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass shared the pictures of the car from the garage and revealed that it carries a controversial message. “The “unbannable” is still on the Reddick car. Part of a new Jordan shoe release going back to the day when NBA banned his shoes,” he wrote on Twitter. The “UNBANNABLE” design on Tyler Reddick’s Toyota Camry didn’t just show up without reason.

The message reminds fans of Jordan’s famous clash with the NBA over the Air Jordan 1s in the 1980s. In 1985, the NBA tried to ban the iconic shoes for not following the league’s uniform rules. Nike, never one to back down from a challenge, turned the ban into a marketing victory. They famously stated that the NBA couldn’t stop you from wearing them, and the shoes went on to become a cultural phenomenon. On the 40th anniversary of the ban, Nike has turned it into one of their latest marketing gimmicks. As some fans may already know, if fans visit the Nike Air Jordan website, they can find some shoes covered by a black rectangle, part of the massive buzz on social media. They even issued ‘citations’ to some Nike employees wearing Jordans as part of the gimmick.

It seems even Reddick is part of the marketing strategy. With Michael Jordan embroiled in a tough fight against NASCAR in the lawsuit, the ‘Unbannable’ tag on the car will be an interesting way of reminding fans that the NBA Champion doesn’t give up easily. However, the recent release of the paint scheme and Unbannable theme also came with a huge controversy. A few days ago, as part of the 2025 season buildup, 23XI Racing released some pictures of the new paint scheme for both charters.

Fans soon noticed the text on the rear bumper of Tyler Reddick’s car triggering a huge buzz. What left fans more shocked was 23XI Racing’s decision to trim that part. Just hours after the reveal, 23XI Racing mysteriously deleted the post from all their social media channels. This move ignited a wave of speculations. The reason behind the takedown is unclear, but many believe it relates to the ongoing legal battle between NASCAR and 23XI.

The team, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, is in a legal dispute with NASCAR over the charter system. 23XI, along with Front Row Motorsports, filed a lawsuit. They claim NASCAR’s actions are anti-competitive and violate antitrust laws. However, a recent court ruling favored teams, and the final verdict is yet to come.

All you need to know about 23XI’s 2025 paint scheme

The 2025 season paint schemes for 23XI Racing have stirred up plenty of discussion. Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace’s cars will each feature distinct designs that combine Jordan’s brand identity with the sport’s culture. However, this year’s paint schemes are more minimalist than what fans may be used to from the team.

Reddick’s No. 45 car will showcase the iconic Jordan Brand design. It will feature the sleek black-and-white tones that highlight the Jump Man logo. The black and red accents complement the retro aesthetic of the Air Jordan shoes. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 car will sport a more understated design. It will feature a white base with purple accents and simple branding.

These minimalist approaches didn’t go well with many fans, especially when 23XI is known for its colorful designs. Fans will have plenty to say about these choices. However, the success of these designs will be measured by their performance on the track as the season progresses.