Michael Jordan’s competitive fire is legendary—he’s known for dominating the court and racking up championships in his prime. However, as an owner at NASCAR’s highest level, that thrill of victory has been elusive. For five long years, he waited to see one of his cars come close to a championship. Now, when Tyler Reddick and the #45 team finally did, the fierce, jubilant MJ fans burst into the spotlight, giving viewers a rare glimpse of the passion that defined him.

There have been a few who’ve doubted Jordan’s commitment to the sport. But after last Sunday’s visual, there can hardly be any doubts. Not only the loyal 23XI Racing fans, but Kevin Harvick loved the sight of Michael Jordan celebrating the victory at Homestead. The former SHR driver even explained what the NBA legend felt at that moment, drawing parallels to his own experiences with his son Keelan.

Kevin Harvick very well understands the emotions MJ felt

With 15 laps to go in the race, Michael Jordan looked crestfallen on the pit road as Tyler Reddick was forced to pit being low on fuel. But the mood changed quickly as Kyle Larson brought out a late caution, forcing the entire field to pit. And this is where Reddick felt he was still in the hunt for the win.

Next thing you know, in the last two laps of the race he would make a pass on the #11 of Denny Hamlin and take Ryan Blaney by surprise on the final corner. It was absolute cinema, and Michael Jordan was punching the air and was in absolute awe of his driver. “I’m proud of him. Oh man, he just let go. He just went for it, and I’m glad. We needed it. We needed it,” Jordan said to NBC before he was seen hugging Reddick by crashing into his post-race interview.

It was indeed uncommon to see Michael Jordan express his emotions, but Kevin Harvick explained why Reddick’s win meant so much to him. “I use Keelan as an example when he does something in that last lap or that bump and run or whatever that is. I think for Michael it’s kind of the same way with his guys to see them be able to succeed in those moments like that just gives him that buzz to come along with running the race team, and he shows it, and he shows that emotion.” He said this on the Happy Hour podcast.

On the other hand, team co-owner Denny Hamlin wasn’t too thrilled for his team despite the massive feat. Instead, he was lamenting what he could’ve done right for himself on the last few laps. When asked, what more could you do? A disappointed Denny said, “Not really sure, tried to cover all lanes, but just couldn’t get off the corners…. Chris gave me everything there..”

Despite this disappointment, Harvick felt that Hamlin performed better than he expected and would be one of the dominant forces this weekend at Martinsville.

Denny Hamlin is still in the title race

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Kevin Harvick has been critical of Denny Hamlin’s performance in the playoffs. He called him out for his tactics at Atlanta and his comments about not being mentally in it after the Kansas race.

However, he just might have found his place back in the good books of the Harvick, despite not closing out the race in Homestead last weekend.

“He had a real shot to go out and win the race. So he did exceed my expectations from a performance standpoint. They did a great job on pit road, called a good race. It came down to a scenario that didn’t fit what his car was strong at doing, and that was short run. I still think they’ll be tough at Martinsville,” Kevin Harvick explained.

The JGR driver is 18 points on the wrong side of the cut line and a solid points day would see him through to the Championship 4 race. However, if you are a Denny Hamlin fan, you would want him to win the race in Martinsville and get that mental boost if he makes it to Phoenix.