Michael Jordan shocked the racing world when he entered NASCAR as a team owner in 2020. Many questioned whether the NBA legend, known for his basketball dominance, would be an active participant or just a figurehead. But his commitment to 23XI Racing has been evident over the years, and one of his most passionate moments came after Tyler Reddick’s victory at Talladega in 2024. But how you may ask!
As Reddick celebrated, Jordan’s excitement was undeniable. The six-time NBA champion reaffirmed his dedication to NASCAR, saying, “I’m all in.” Fast forward to 2025, and Jordan’s passion for NASCAR once again has made headlines. This time, it was Bubba Wallace, the driver he recruited to 23XI Racing, who revealed just how invested his boss is in the sport. In a candid conversation, Wallace dropped key details of Jordan’s influence and passion for the sport. And you will love every bit of it!
NASCAR was a childhood dream for Michael Jordan
Bubba Wallace has spent years working under the ownership of one of the most competitive athletes of all time. During his tough days in 2020, Jordan recruited him for 23XI Racing and put all efforts into keeping him connected. While many assume Jordan stays at a distance, Wallace recently shared a different story. In a candid conversation with his cousin Trey Wallace, the 23XI driver let it slip just how engaged Jordan is with the team.
“MJ—he’s a massive fan of the sport. He loves just watching and being a part of it. One of the first texts I get on Sunday, either pre-race or post-race, is from MJ each and every weekend. He’s always watching, no matter where he’s at in the world. And I think that’s cool. I think that’s beneficial for all of us—I mean, for myself, to every last employee at 23XI. They know the commitment that he has, and it’s really really special just to be a part of it,” Wallace told his cousin.
Wallace’s words weren’t just empty praise. His latest win in Duel 1 at Daytona proved just how much Jordan cares. After clinching victory and securing a third-place starting spot for the Daytona 500, Wallace shared a touching moment with his boss. In a video that quickly went viral, Wallace presented his Duel trophy to Jordan. The six-time NBA champion reacted purely in joy. “Good job, kid. That’s a good start,” Jordan told Wallace, beaming with pride.
For Wallace, who has faced intense scrutiny and pressure throughout his career, those words meant everything. His message on Instagram said it all: “Brought the Big Boss back some hardware.” Notably, Jordan’s love for racing didn’t start when he became a team owner—it started when he was a kid. His father, James Jordan, was a huge NASCAR fan. “My father used to pack the whole family in, we’d go to Darlington, Rockingham, Charlotte, Daytona, and Talladega. We would spend the whole day, and from that point on, I’ve been hooked,” Jordan once shared.
Those childhood memories stuck with Jordan, and decades later, they inspired him to join the sport. He joined hands with Joe Gibbs and Denny Hamlin and laid the foundation of 23XI Racing. Notably, Jordan’s hands-on approach has earned him respect in the NASCAR garage. His co-owner, Denny Hamlin, has repeatedly praised his involvement. “I think he’s brought some very good intel into our meetings on mindset, on how do we get better individually as a team,” Hamlin once said.
But he isn’t the only one to praise the NBA legend. Jordan’s rival and Joe Gibbs Racing’s crew chief has also noticed his dedication. “MJ’s passion over the years is unbelievable. Now, watching him selflessly engage in his team, showing support on the ground, before the flag, and long after, because he genuinely wants to be there for them, is true GOAT status. NASCAR is lucky to have him,” Chris Gabehart wrote on X last year.
Notably, Michael Jordan’s drive to win has reshaped expectations at 23XI Racing. He doesn’t just want to compete—he wants to dominate. However, the last few months have not been good for his team. After initiating the legal battle with NASCAR leadership, 23XI has been struggling to put up a show in the ongoing season. Bubba Wallace, the team’s top prospect, has just one top-10 finish in the first four races. However, this isn’t a big concern for Wallace as he addresses the change in his political mindset.
A new mindset for Bubba Wallace!
While Michael Jordan remains focused on winning, Bubba Wallace has been going through his transformation. Wallace, who was outspoken in the past, shifted his perspective on politics in 2025. In 2020, he found himself at the center of a national controversy when people mistook a garage pull rope for a noose in his Talladega garage stall. The incident drew a response from then-president Donald Trump, who called Wallace out on Twitter and accused him of staging the situation.
The backlash was intense. Wallace, who had been vocal about social issues, found himself in a heated battle with both fans and political figures. Fast forward to 2025, and Wallace’s outlook has changed. “Everything is red or blue, but I’m a person who just sees people how they are. I want to be treated with respect, so I treat them with respect,” Wallace told his cousin.
He acknowledged that he fueled his past social media posts with a desire to spark change in NASCAR. However, he now feels that investing time into political debates is a waste. “Social media nowadays is just a way for people to hide behind a screen and voice their opinions on things they don’t know about,” Wallace explained. Notably, he backed his words with actions earlier this year when he showed little concern about President Trump’s presence at the Daytona 500 event. With a new motive, many fans would expect Wallace to start delivering on track soon.
The post Bubba Wallace Lets Slip Michael Jordan’s Passion for NASCAR as Heartwarming Gesture Goes Viral appeared first on EssentiallySports.
