Insider Claims Red Bull’s Ambitions Were “A Decade Too Early” as He Draws Parallels With Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team

Red Bull is a name synonymous with motorsports. Many people might even consider the Austrian multinational conglomerate’s use of its range of energy drinks as a gimmick to support its affinity for motorsports. Red Bull has established itself as a force to be reckoned with in multiple racing circuits, but surprisingly, NASCAR isn’t one of them. However, the team has tried its hand at stock car racing previously.

Entering the Cup Series in 2006, an era of intense competition and stardom, Team Red Bull operated successfully for five years and even fielded fan favorites like Kasey Kahne. The thought of Red Bull’s success in NASCAR has also occurred to eminent journalist Matt Weaver. Weaver tweeted that the current scenario could have been perfect for Team RB to thrive in and promote talents, as he placed it alongside Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing.

Matt Weaver envisions a successful atmosphere for Red Bull

Red Bull Racing’s arrival on the scene had been marked with controversy. After taking over one of Team Penske‘s old racing facilities, the team wanted to field cars immediately. Red Bull’s original plan was to collaborate with Toyota. However, with the car manufacturer needing to be cleared by NASCAR in 2006, the team had to settle for Dodge vehicles. Due to a lack of equipment and materials to build its cars, Red Bull Racing bought its cars from Bill Davis Racing.

Following the team’s debut appearance with the legendary Bill Elliott in the car, the team eventually shifted to younger talents like AJ Allmendinger and 2003 Busch Series champ Brian Vickers. According to Matt Weaver, this dynamic and refreshing approach to NASCAR racing could have been path-breaking, albeit just a few years later.

In the mid-2000s, NASCAR teams usually relied on experience ahead of youth and speed. The grid was filled with the sport’s veterans, which was also reflected in the races. Red Bull‘s motive was to break this monotony, quite similarly to what they did in Formula 1 by putting younger talent at the fore. Imagining an ideal scenario about the same, Weaver tweeted,

“I sometimes think about the business model of Red Bull Racing Team (NASCAR) and how they were just a decade too early. Imagine a Guenther Steiner-led Cup team in the current climate and the genuine pursuit of a younger demo. Red Bull in the same garage as Trackhouse and 23XI.”

Weaver also added Haas Formula 1 team principal Gunther Steiner into the equation. Steiner has been known for creating stars capable of providing breakthrough moments. Mick Schumacher has recently been one of the budding talents under his tutelage. Steiner’s experience from more than 30 years of participation in motorsports could have been perfect to nurture future NASCAR champions.

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However, a lack of presence has yet to stop Red Bull’s unorthodox ideas from impacting NASCAR. Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing have added a new element to the Cup Series in the recent past.

Michael Jordan and Justin Marks have upheld Red Bull’s racing spirit in NASCAR

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23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing are relatively new teams in the Cup Series. Both teams were created in 2020 and have certainly resonated with their innovative ideas. Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin have been putting in the work, as 23XI seems to be the rising dark horse in the Cup Series. Trackhouse Racing, on the other hand, has added more excitement and fans to the community through Project 91 and other initiatives.

23XI Racing has fielded young talents like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, who have been fundamental to the team’s growth. The duo has grown along with the team and went deep into the playoffs in 2023. Apart from regular Cup Series racing, the team also opened a spot for FIA World Endurance Championship driver Kamui Kobayashi. Introducing drivers from different motorsport circuits has excited the fans and surely added value to the competition.

Michael Jordan and Co. have also been a lucrative option for the sponsors, with some big guns in the business backing the team. The presence of superstars within the organization has surely helped it a lot.

Trackhouse Racing, on the other hand, has led the movement by example. Apart from the ever-exciting Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez in its ranks, the team has given a platform to former F1 driver and champion Kimi Raikkonen and three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen.

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Following up on SVG’s historic debut at Chicago and an oval debut at Indianapolis, Justin Marks has lured him away from Australian racing. The 34-year-old former Red Bull-sponsored driver has signed a multi-year deal with Trackhouse Racing and is looking to build experience by moving to Kaulig Racing in 2024.

Trackhouse’s diverse profile emerges from the ideas of the executive hierarchy. With a creative genius like Pitbull at the helm, Justin Marks has added his business expertise to it and revolutionized the sport.