For the first time since becoming the co-owner of 23XI Racing, NBA legend Michael Jordan was able to see his team succeed live from the pit-box. He missed the last five wins of the team scored by Bubba Wallace, Kurt Busch and Tyler Reddick . This Sunday at Talladega he was able to experience the dream.
Tyler Reddick won the race in an impressive fashion taking advantage of the late race wreck involving Michael McDowell and Brad Keselowski . It was the first win of 23XI Racing in the 2024 season. It was also the Reddick’s third career with the TRD team and it also marked the former tow times Xfinity Series champions’ first win at a Superspeedway.
While talking to the media after his drivers’ win Michael Jordan pointed out that his co-owner Denny Hamlin has always teased him for being the bad luck for them on race days. But Jordan is now happy as he has proved the JGR driver wrong and finally witness the victor lane calibrations that his crew has been talking a lot about first hand.
Well, [team co-owner] Denny [Hamlin] keeps saying I’m bad luck. And today we proved him wrong. The whole team did a good job. I’m very happy to be here to see it. Everybody always tells me when we win we have a good celebration but this is the first time I’ve been here [for a win]. Michael Jordan said via RACER.
Michael Jordan compares the race to NBA Playoffs
Jordan pointed out he felt like being in an NBA playoff game at Talladega. He enjoyed the support from the fans and the feel of winning against the odds, challenging the established teams is really inspiring for the champion. Jordan also highlighted efforts of the 23XI crew in getting the victory.
As you know this is NBA playoffs right now and to me, this is like an NBA playoff game. I am so ecstatic for the fans who support the sport itself. You know we’ve been working hard trying to get ourselves to compete against all the top guys in this sport, and we’ve done a heckuva job just to be where we are and for us to win and win a big race like this it means so much to me and effort the team has put in. Michale Jordan said.
The ex-Chicago Bull’s star seems to over the moon with the victory and finally being able to see it firsthand. He would be hoping to see more of it from Reddick as well as Bubba Wallace in the 2024 season.
More must-reads: