Michael Jordan's NASCAR Triumph: A Shared Passion Ignites

Jordan's excitement over 23XI Racing's Daytona 500 win highlights his growing influence in the sport.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 8:15am

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After a contentious legal battle with NASCAR over the sport's financial model, Michael Jordan has emerged as one of the most powerful advocates for the racing league. Jordan's 23XI Racing team won the Daytona 500, and the basketball legend's visible excitement and engagement with the sport suggest a new era of collaboration between NASCAR and the global icon.

Why it matters

Jordan's embrace of NASCAR represents a significant shift, as the sport looks to expand its fanbase beyond its traditional niche. As a global superstar, Jordan's enthusiasm for the sport and his team's success can help bring new attention and legitimacy to NASCAR, which has struggled at times to break out of its regional appeal.

The details

After becoming a co-owner of 23XI Racing in 2021, Jordan initially clashed with NASCAR over the sport's financial structure. However, a legal settlement in December 2025 paved the way for a new era of cooperation. At the Daytona 500, Jordan was visibly engaged, doing pre-race interviews and celebrating enthusiastically with his team in victory lane after driver Tyler Reddick's win. This level of involvement and excitement from such a renowned athlete is seen as a major boost for NASCAR's profile and growth potential.

  • In 2021, Michael Jordan became a co-owner of 23XI Racing.
  • In late 2025, Jordan and NASCAR reached a legal settlement over the sport's financial model.
  • On February 17, 2026, Tyler Reddick won the Daytona 500 driving for 23XI Racing, with Jordan celebrating enthusiastically in victory lane.

The players

Michael Jordan

A legendary NBA player and global icon who is now a co-owner of 23XI Racing in NASCAR.

Denny Hamlin

Co-owner of 23XI Racing and a NASCAR driver.

Tyler Reddick

The driver who won the 2026 Daytona 500 for 23XI Racing.

Curtis Polk

Business partner of Michael Jordan and co-owner of 23XI Racing.

Jim France

Chairman and CEO of NASCAR.

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What they’re saying

“Do you guys understand the responsibilities that you have, that you have the power to bring joy to Michael Jordan? You have that power. Nobody else can do it. There's nothing else that can bring him the joy that seeing his team (win) can do.”

— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing

“This felt 'like winning a championship, like a huge championship'.”

— Michael Jordan

What’s next

NASCAR and Michael Jordan have pledged to work closely together to promote the sport and grow its fanbase following their legal settlement. Fans can expect to see Jordan more involved in NASCAR events and promotions in the coming season.

The takeaway

Michael Jordan's enthusiastic embrace of NASCAR following his team's Daytona 500 victory represents a significant shift in the relationship between the global superstar and the racing league. This partnership has the potential to elevate NASCAR's profile and attract new fans to the sport.