For the 2024 NASCAR Cup season, Michael Jordan‘s ace, Tyler Reddick, is right in the thick of the championship battle. He’s had a solid run so far, with a notable win at Talladega Superspeedway. The Jordan and Hamlin co-owned team has shown impressive consistency, reflecting the greatness associated with Jordan’s brand. However, this weekend’s race at the Chicago Street Course, NASCAR’s second-ever street race, presents a fresh challenge for Reddick.

The inaugural Chicago race last year was a game-changer, marked by unpredictable weather and an unexpected breakout star, Shane van Gisbergen. Reddick had a tough outing in that race, finishing 28th—a disappointing result, especially considering his strength on road courses. With half of his six wins coming on such tracks, Reddick is eager to turn his fortunes around in Chicago. He’ll have another shot this year, but van Gisbergen might still pose a challenge.

A crucial day at Airspeed this weekend

As NASCAR is headed to the Windy City, the Jordan connection adds another layer of pressure to the 23XI Racing. Michael Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships (1991–93, 1996–98), has a legacy that looms large over the racing world. Jordan briefly retired from basketball in October 1993 to play professional baseball but returned in 1995, leading the Bulls to a record-setting 72–10 regular season and three more championships before retiring again. His “Air Jordan” nickname reflects his extraordinary skill and popularity, which also resonates in his NASCAR venture with 23XI Racing. Not to mention their new HQ in Huntersville is also named similar; Airspeed.

Despite some missed opportunities, Reddick and the Jordan car have consistently performed well, with multiple top-10 finishes this season. Currently sitting comfortably in 4th place in the championship standings, Reddick acknowledges the pressure of driving a car associated with such a high-profile brand.

In an interview with News Nation, Reddick spoke about the influence of Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan and how their presence on track affects the run. He noted, “Certainly, it does add pressure, but it’s the good kind of pressure. It’s a pressure that I think, those that compete have to be able to adjust to and kinda embrace, for all whole group…huge motivational factor for us, we are very motivated to win as a group as a team and very motivated to run for others, we have the Jordan brand on the car.”

He further elaborated on what it’s like to drive the Jordan brand car, saying, “Yeah, it just adds to the pressure, but that’s been good for us. You know I think back to the World 6 at Charlotte, we ran that car right there, we also ran it at Darlington, at the Southern 500 in the playoffs, we have ran that car, and obviously won at Talladega with, the black and white Jordan brand car. Further emphasizing how is to run in the Jordan brand car in Chicago, the 23XI driver said, “It just seems like when we run in these wonderful Jordan brand schemes, we have risen to the moment and really did some good performances out of our car.” 

Reddick did admit that the 23XI Racing team got off to a shaky start in 2024. In the first five races, he could only muster two Top 10 finishes, with a best finish of 2nd at Las Vegas. Luckily, he really managed to hit his stride from the Circuit of the Americas onward. The best part is that that was a road course, which he admitted was one of his strengths.

Why Chicago holds a special place in the heart of Tyler Reddick

Although Reddick is a California native, his girlfriend, Alexa DeLeon, hails from Chicago. In essence, the Chicago Street Course is her and Reddick’s home race, and he would love to win the race for his loving girlfriend. Additionally, Tyler Reddick is a massive fan of the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball team. What a day for Reddick!

No. 45 has so many responsibilities and eyes on him. One, his boss, two, his girlfriend, and three—a need of the hour, a must-have win! And since the Michael Jordan ace driver was in town, he could not resist catching a game or two. Needless to say, he had plenty to smile about, as the Cubs soundly beat the Los Angeles Angels. Reddick added, “Got to go out to a Cubs game yesterday on Thursday. We’re heading to the Cubs game again today, first pitch too. I might get my fill of Chicago, it’s really nice to be here.”

Meanwhile, Reddick will be focused on his own title battle in the NASCAR Cup Series. The #45 driver will be praying that he gets a decent starting position and that the black and white car once again does wonders for him, as it did in Talladega. Only then can he truly flex his road course muscles and be the second driver to win the Chicago Street Course.