Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing have been in the news since they made their NASCAR debut, but now more so because they are at war with the governing body. According to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports who have joined forces to sue NASCAR, the France family has been unfair in the charter agreement where they have “monopolized” the deal. Although their injunction to keep their charters was rejected, it hasn’t stopped the addition of a driver to the 23XI roster.

The team recently announced that despite not having a confirmed charter in 2025, 23XI Racing has taken on a third car. Driving the third car will be none other than Stewart Haas Racing’s Xfinity Series driver, Riley Herbst. With Michael Jordan’s iconic 23 number taken by Bubba Wallace and 45 by Tyler Reddick, many fans wondered what number will Herbst get. It looks like Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan have a number they will be happy with. Let’s see why it’s the right fit for the team.

Michael Jordan’s third car named after his jersey

It’s a good time for 23Xi Racing fans as the lawsuit doesn’t seem to stop them from getting into the finals or expanding their team. Tyler Reddick’s performance in the playoffs was nothing shy of awe-striking and the team wants to continue the momentum in 2025.

When 23XI Racing announced its third car, the No. 35, for Riley Herbst, Steve Lauletta shared the thought process behind their decision to go with that number during an interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. According to Lauletta, the number 35 ties into both the team’s identity and their connection to Michael Jordan. To start, the No. 35 was the number Jordan wore when he briefly pursued a baseball career, making it a natural fit alongside the team’s iconic 23 and 45 cars—both numbers famously associated with Jordan. Michael Jordan took up a brief Minor League Baseball stint with the Chicago White Sox. Although the star’s NBA exploits are famous, his time in baseball became an iconic memory for his fans.

Lauletta also noted a more personal connection: Denny Hamlin’s father drove the No. 8, and when you add five and three together, it makes eight, creating another subtle link. “We kind of found a couple of reasons why 35 fit in,” he said. “It takes the three from the 23 and the five from the 45.” While the No. 35 will take center stage now, Lauletta teased that the team still has the No. 67 in reserve for future use if needed.

As for the decision to bring Riley Herbst aboard, Lauletta explained that 23XI had been closely watching Herbst’s progress in the XFINITY Series. He pointed out Riley’s consistent playoff appearances, multiple wins—including standout victories at Indianapolis and Phoenix—and his potential to thrive in the Cup Series. The deal also strengthens the team’s long-standing relationship with Monster Energy, which has been a major sponsor since their partnerships with Kurt Busch and Tyler Reddick.

Allowing Herbst to drive for 23XI in a Toyota and learn alongside Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick was a no-brainer. Lauletta expressed excitement about the move, saying, “There were just a ton of reasons why it made sense for us. We’re excited to get him on the track for a full season and get going!”

Now that NASCAR is fighting the lawsuit back in full force, Michael Jordan is making it clear that he will not roll over that easily. In an update on the lawsuit, a federal judge denied the injunction 23XI and FRM filed. The injunction was a way for the teams to ensure they competed in 2025 without any hiccups.

How 23XI Racing and FRM going to race in 2025?

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The whole conflict stems from NASCAR’s refusal to grant charters unless teams accepted a take-it-or-leave-it contract. When 23XI and Front Row declined to sign, they were without charters and forced to file a lawsuit accusing NASCAR of being “monopolistic bullies.”

Despite losing their initial bid in federal court to race as chartered teams during the legal process, the two organizations have opted to continue competing in 2025 as “open” teams. This means they’ll need to qualify for every race and won’t receive the financial perks and guaranteed entries that chartered teams enjoy. The decision came after NASCAR removed a contentious clause that prevented teams from suing the sanctioning body, clearing the way for 23XI and Front Row to remain on the track.

Attorney Jeffrey Kessler, representing the teams, explained that while they’ll participate as open teams for now, the fight is far from over. The appeal to be reinstated as chartered teams is ongoing, with hopes for an expedited December hearing before the new season kicks off in February.

For 23XI and Front Row, racing as open teams is a significant gamble. Without the stability and financial guarantees of charters, the teams face a tougher road both on and off the track. However, Kessler emphasized their commitment to competing, stating, “Both race teams are pleased that they will continue to be participants in this sport they love while fighting to make it fair and just for all.”

While the future remains uncertain, one thing is clear: 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are not backing down from their quest for a more equitable NASCAR landscape.