In an unprecedented twist that could only be scripted in a sports fever dream, Michael Jordan—the man, the myth, the slam-dunk legend—has upended the NASCAR universe. Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team has just become one of only three teams to send 100% of its drivers to the playoffs. And who’s left in the dust? Only the Goliaths of the track: Rick Hendrick and Joe Gibbs. Cue the collective gasp.
Not just any team can share a track with the legends and leave them trailing in the rearview mirror. Yet, 23XI Racing’s drivers have done that. Just last week, Bubba Wallace clinched his first-ever NASCAR playoff appearance, earning him a hearty hug from Michael Jordan and a career-defining moment that left everyone in the pits buzzing. But what have NASCAR insiders got to say about this victory?
Jordan’s NASCAR Team Achieves Unprecedented Playoff Triumph
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Bubba Wallace, who stepped into the #45 car just a season ago to replace Kurt Busch, had quite the glow-up. Driving from 10th in the owner’s points standings to making the playoffs, Wallace has the kind of momentum even a slam-dunk can’t match. Tyler Reddick, who finished 13th in last year’s playoffs, believes the duo have “been good on how best to improve their cars.” Talk about your dream teams.
During the latest episode of ‘Rubbin is Racing,’ Large and Spider discussed the current state of NASCAR playoffs. Large remarked, “Bubba’s made it. There are only three teams that have all of their drivers in the playoffs. 23XI is one of them, with both Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. So, Bubba Wallace, who was on the edge, has secured his spot.”
To which Spider responded, “You mentioned three teams, right? So we’ve got 23XI and RFK. But who’s the third? Could it be Stenhouse’s team? He’s a solo racer, after all.”
Wallace had a 12th-place finish at Daytona last week, making him the final driver to join the 16-strong field vying for the NASCAR Cup Series. Even more impressively, Wallace seems to have cracked the code of Darlington Raceway, a.k.a the “Lady in Black,” where he finished ninth and fifth in his last two appearances. Will he dance to victory at Darlington or be left holding his racing shoes?
WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Jordan’s Prodigy Heaves His Frustration Keeping the Playoff Hopes Burning
But what are Michael Jordan’s co-owners’ views on these extraordinary feet?
Goal of Michael Jordan Achieved as 23XI Racing Secures Double Playoff Presence in NASCAR
Trending
Tony Stewart’s Wife Leah Pruett Pens a Heartfelt Message for Husband After His Unwavering Support for His Family
“We Are Not Morning People”- Travel Woes Hit Home for Kyle Busch & Wife Samantha Leaving Son Brexton Grinning
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Offers a Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to His Loyal Fanbase as He Gears Up for His Return With Budweiser
JRM Prodigy & Kelley Earnhardt’s Son Earn Major Backing as Dale Jr.’s Loyal Partners Announce 2025 Return
Rick Hendrick’s Alliance Rumored to Save Chevy Prodigy Who Crashed Kyle Busch’s Party
Last weekend’s race had everyone on the edge of their pit stools. Could Chase Elliott snag that last golden ticket to the NASCAR playoffs? Could another luminary from the pantheon of NASCAR greats sneak in? Bubba Wallace shredded through layers of doubt and disparagement to lock down that 16th spot in the playoffs. With co-owner Denny Hamlin expressing his confidence, the odds-defying finish at Daytona means one thing.
“Luckily, they didn’t get unlucky. We’ve got two cars in the playoffs.That’s what we’ve set out as a goal, the only goal for 23XI this year was that, both cars in the playoffs.” Hamlin stated after the race.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Denny Hamlin said the only goal this year at 23XI Racing was to get both cars in the playoffs. So he was a proud team owner Saturday night at Daytona. pic.twitter.com/d5gouvoEE9
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 27, 2023
Joining the 23XI playoff party is teammate Tyler Reddick, a man who’s no stranger to the postseason circus. As Hamlin points out, Reddick got his playoff pass after just a year with the team. For Wallace, the journey took three arduous years.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
READ MORE: “What in the Hell?” – Michael Jordan’s Legend’s Ultimate Rival Relives Career-Making Memory
As preparations for Darlington gain momentum, Wallace is buzzing with optimism. Historically, his record at the “Lady in Black” was shaky. Still, recent finishes of ninth and fifth indicate he’s found his groove. And with the tantalizing prospect of an automatic berth among the final 12 into the second playoff round, it’s not just about the checkered flag anymore; it’s about carving a name in NASCAR’s pantheon of legends. Dunking on the racetrack? Well, with Michael Jordan in your corner, it seems anything is possible!