23XI Racing Emerges as Potential NASCAR 'Big Four'

Insider suggests Michael Jordan's team is making a strong case to join NASCAR's elite

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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According to sports journalist Jordan Bianchi, 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, is quickly establishing itself as a potential fourth member of NASCAR's 'Big Three' powerhouse teams - Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske. With driver Tyler Reddick's recent success, including winning the first three races of the 2026 season, and Bubba Wallace's consistent performance, 23XI is stacking up accomplishments and may no longer be considered an upstart team.

Why it matters

The rise of 23XI Racing challenges the long-standing dominance of NASCAR's 'Big Three' teams, potentially ushering in a new era of increased parity and competition at the top levels of the sport. This could lead to more exciting racing and unpredictable outcomes for fans.

The details

23XI Racing was founded in 2021 as a partnership between veteran driver Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan. In just its third season, the team has already won a regular season championship with Reddick in 2024 and the prestigious Brickyard 400 with Bubba Wallace in 2025. This year, Reddick has won the first three races of the season, making him the first driver to accomplish that feat. Meanwhile, Wallace sits second in the points standings after three events.

  • 23XI Racing was founded in 2021.
  • Reddick won the regular season championship for 23XI in 2024.
  • Wallace won the Brickyard 400 for 23XI in 2025.
  • Reddick won the Daytona 500 in February 2026.
  • Reddick has won the first three races of the 2026 season.

The players

23XI Racing

A NASCAR team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan that was founded in 2021.

Tyler Reddick

The driver of the #45 car for 23XI Racing who won the regular season championship in 2024 and has won the first three races of the 2026 season.

Bubba Wallace

The driver of the #23 car for 23XI Racing who won the prestigious Brickyard 400 in 2025 and currently sits second in the 2026 points standings.

Denny Hamlin

A veteran NASCAR driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing.

Michael Jordan

NBA legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing.

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What they’re saying

“We talk a lot about the Big Three in this sport, is now we need to be talking about the Big Four?”

— Jordan Bianchi, Sports journalist (The Athletic)

“This team is doing something special and maybe they're not quite Hendrick or Gibbs right now or Penske, but they aren't far off.”

— Jordan Bianchi, Sports journalist (The Athletic)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

23XI Racing's rapid rise challenges the long-standing dominance of NASCAR's 'Big Three' teams, potentially ushering in a new era of increased parity and competition at the top levels of the sport.