The pursuit of championship glory often leads teams and drivers into uncharted territories. One team daring to carve its name in NASCAR history is Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, thanks to the driver of the #45 car. With the Round of 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs on the horizon, Michael Jordan’s star finds himself in a pivotal position. However, his journey is not without its share of challenges. As he aims for the ultimate NASCAR title, Jordan’s prodigy faces a formidable hurdle in the form of the dynamic duo of Rick Hendrick.

Michael Jordan’s venture into racing, co-owning 23XI Racing with championship contender Denny Hamlin, has seen its ebbs and flows since its inception in 2020. This year, they have their sights set on NASCAR’s ultimate prize, and the key to their aspirations lies in the capable hands of Tyler Reddick.

Michael Jordan and his #45 driver team factor in a lot more than just race strategy

Tyler Reddick’s journey to the Round of 8 has been remarkable. He’s currently seated as the seventh seed among the top 8 drivers with an 8-point deficit to the cutline. However, Reddick remains confident of surviving the Round of 8, thanks to the tracks on offer that favor his team and the Toyotas.

During a recent media briefing at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, the question that loomed large is why Reddick believed he and his team could break new ground by securing a spot in the Championship 4… a feat 23XI Racing has never accomplished before. In response, Reddick laid out their strategy.

“I think, when you look at our speed, and the things that we really are good at, our ceiling’s there, I think. It’s just a matter of putting it together on the racetrack and one weekend at a time, right? And obviously, [if] you do everything right, you can win and get there. But I think too that the way that we’ve been scoring points in the playoffs. We’ve been strong on that front too.”

He further emphasized their two pathways to success, “So, we have paths we certainly have two ways we can get there. I’d like to get the first way, so we can really focus on Phoenix. But we have options I feel like. So obviously to win races, you gotta run up front all day. And if you can do that, you are gonna score points. So, I think they’re kinda hand in hand with one another.”

The upcoming tracks bolster Reddick’s optimism in the playoffs, where his team traditionally excels. He highlighted, “Yeah, and we look at Vegas and Homestead and even Martinsville, you know, all 3 tracks are good tracks. I’d say the first two are good for me, Martinsville is really good for the team, and Toyota, and I really upped my game when we went there in the spring.”

Watch This Story | Michael Jordan’s $61.5 Million Showstopper at Talladega

He finally revealed that if they did manage to make it all the way, they’d have to contend with Hendrick Motorsports strongest duo this year. “… I feel good about the tracks we have up ahead. And Phoenix, at the end of that race, we’re battling Larson and Byron for the win there too. So, I feel like we’ve been really strong at these last remaining tracks.”

When you’re a part of Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, you’re not just racing. You’re making a (fashion) statement on the track. Tyler Reddick’s #45 car is set to dazzle fans at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a special livery.

Reddick’s Air Jordan livery will take center stage at Las Vegas

Inspired by the iconic Retro Jordan 8 sneaker, this striking livery celebrates Reddick’s advancement to the “round of eight” in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. While it doesn’t replicate a particular Jordan 8 variant, it prominently features the Jumpman logo on the hood and sides, drawing inspiration from the Aqua colorway, one of the original sneaker’s three color options that was released in 1993.

This Air Jordan-themed livery showcases a vibrant and contrasting color palette, embodying a nostalgic ’90s vibe. Also, in a unique departure from the norm, sponsor logos, apart from the Jumpman, take a backseat, giving this race car an exceptionally distinctive appearance.

It’s not the first time 23XI Racing has brought Air Jordan-inspired liveries to the NASCAR circuit. Throughout the year, Reddick’s No. 45 car has sported various Jordan-themed schemes. From the University of North Carolina colors to tributes to the Jordan brand’s godfather, Howard “H” White.

Michael Jordan’s foray into the world of NASCAR, 23XI Racing, is on the cusp of making history with their talented driver at the wheel. Reddick’s confidence in their strategy and the upcoming tracks places them on a promising path. What do you think about Reddick’s chances for the Championship 4 race at Phoenix?

READ MORE: Kyle Busch Proven Inferior to Tyler Reddick as Insider Dissects RCR?s Lacklustre Show