“I’m Glad You Won the Race”: NASCAR Insider Bows to Michael Jordan for Being NASCAR’s Biggest Ambassador as Young Fans Go Gaga for Him

When Tyler Reddick swerved into Victory Lane at Talladega Superspeedway, his 23XI boss was overjoyed. Michael Jordan’s unbridled enthusiasm reminded people of his trophy-studded NBA games. Reddick’s win not only won the hearts of NASCAR fans but also the sports community in general.

That comes as a small ripple from the huge impact that Michael Jordan has on NASCAR. The NBA champion is a household name for the majority of American sports fans, especially the youth. That is what one racing expert emphasized while discussing the Talladega Cup race.

Michael Jordan drives NASCAR metrics

In its 75-year-old history, NASCAR has rarely ventured out of its comfort zone. Relying solely on a populace of white males as its fans, the racing series has been isolated from the outside world. However, times are changing, especially with the release of the Netflix show earlier this year. Besides that, the presence of one basketball legend is doing wonders in drawing diverse audiences to the sport.

When Michael Jordan joined NASCAR’s stable of team owners, it was nothing short of a revolution. He was the first Black person to have a majority ownership stake in a Cup team since 1973. Besides, Jordan’s name itself is enough to send waves of enthusiasm among young athletes. 

Tyler Reddick said in a Talladega post-race interview that he needs to teach his son about Jordan’s stellar career. Now a ‘Door Bumper Clear’ host agrees that Michael Jordan’s NASCAR presence is essential to increase the number of young fans.

At first, Brett Griffin took the example of his own son, who worships the NBA legend. “One thing I’ll say about Michael Jordan…My son, who has a lot of access to our sport…obviously all my kids do. My son is more excited about Michael Jordan being at the race track than anything that could happen in the NASCAR world”.

He added to his argument while referring to the young racer who won the Talladega Xfinity race. “My point of that is, when I look at Jesse Love who is 19 years old, like we have got to figure out a way to go back and connect to teenagers and young people.” 

Then Griffin concluded with a quick jibe at the fuel-saving fiasco at the Cup race and hailing Michael Jordan for saving the day. “And we’ve gotta get them excited about our sport. We’re not gonna do it riding around at 60% throttle, because their dads aren’t gonna take them to the race track. So Michael Jordan, thank you for being there, I’m glad you won the race.”

The ‘Door Bumper Clear’ guys are admitting it now. However, 23XI Racing’s top official acknowledged Michael Jordan’s youth-driving impact back in 2022.

23XI’s unique approach is beneficial to NASCAR

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When 23XI Racing was born, we knew that its out-of-the-box approach was going to be good for NASCAR in the long run. The motorsport was in dire need of attracting a wider and younger fanbase, and 23XI was doing just that. 23XI president Steve Lauletta said in 2022: “Right now, our social media following is much younger than the general Nascar fan today. [It’s] much more diverse and wider reaching in global markets that aren’t necessarily where the core Nascar fan resides today.”

Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin mostly drew motorsports fans to 23XI. But the wider appeal of NBA legend Michael Jordan was unparalleled, as sports fans of every discipline hail him. Lauletta agreed: “[Michael Jordan] is a huge influence, he’s a huge fan of the sport. It’s a different perspective, which I think is great for where we can help and work with NASCAR.”

Since 23XI’s rise, Jordan’s impact has been spreading the NASCAR gospel around the world.