23XI Racing, the NASCAR Cup Series team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin has recently unveiled the name of the new multi-million dollar facility. The mega race shop will soon be operational and will be the base for all projects of 23XI.
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan named their shop, Airspeed. The shop is named after the two owners of the team. Air represents Jordan and his iconic Nike sneaker brand. Speed represents the three-time Daytona 500 winner and his racing prowess.
The team is also named the same way. In 23XI, the number 23 is a tribute to Jordan’s iconic Chicago Bulls days where he dominated the sport sporting the same number. The 11 represents Hamlin and his history and triumphs with the No:11 crew over and half decade.
Even the car numbers that are used by the team hold significance. Bubba Wallace drives the No:23 car as a tribute to Jordan while his teammate Tyler Reddick drives the No:45 car l. It’s the number Jordan used when he un-retired and returned to the NBA. 23XI is using the 45 car after seeking permission from the Petty family as it’s a number that is very close to their NASCAR legacy.
Denny Hamlin’s Airspeed is built with mental health in mind
Hamlin revealed that the new facility they have built is made with keeping mental health aspects of the crew in mind. 23XI wants this to be a pressure-free environment where people can express themselves and be more productive.
I believe that we really put an emphasis on mental health, we really put an emphasis on making sure people are in the same space, able to work together and come up with new fresh ideas, and I believe that this place will change the game. Hamlin told Fox Sports.
The veteran driver expects the new shop to be a game changer for 23XI as well as for NASCAR. The new facility will be huge for the sport as it will set a new benchmark and create more opportunities. For Hamlin and crew, it would also help them to finally become championship contenders.
More must-reads: