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Bubba Wallace reveals two texts he always gets from Michael Jordan

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Apr 1, 2025 11:27 PM ET

Contrary to popular belief, NBA legend Michael Jordan is not a hands-off part of his 23XI Racing NASCAR team. His longest-tenured driver, No. 23 Bubba Wallace, has made that much clear.

Appearing on "CBS Mornings," Wallace spoke at length about his personal and professional life.

On the topic of his wife and son, Wallace said that now that he's a father, being a family man comes first for him.

"Nothing else matters anymore, besides being a great father, being a great husband, being a great family man," Wallace said. "Prior to that, it was always racing first, and I've missed out on a lot of good memories and opportunities by putting that first and causing a lot of stress from within or the people surrounding me ... It took having a kid to realize there's so much more to life.

"My wife is the absolute trooper," Wallace said. "The six months have been nothing short of craziness for her... I don't see all that she has to deal with, and so more power to the mothers."

Racecar driver @BubbaWallace says becoming a father has given him a new perspective on life: “I walk a little bit lighter.”

He tells CBS Mornings about finding joy in the long @NASCAR season and how he and his wife are navigating being first-time parents. pic.twitter.com/t3yI8yR40u
— CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) April 1, 2025

When the topic reached The Airman, Wallace revealed that he always gets two texts from Jordan on race day — win, lose or draw. He said that one comes sometime before the race and the other always comes right after the race.

"We talk multiple times throughout the week, and definitely, there's a text before and definitely after a race," he said. "He's watching. Good or bad, win, lose, or draw, he's always watching.

NASHVILLE, TN - JUNE 25: Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23xi racing and NBA legend greets Bubba Wallace (#23 23XI Racing Root Insurance Toyota) on pit road during qualfying for the 2nd annual Ally 400 on June 25, 2022 at Nashville SuperSpeedway in Nashville, TN. (Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Icon Sportswire/Getty Images

Wallace and 23XI Racing have enjoyed incredible success since their partnership started. Under Jordan's leadership, 23XI Racing has claimed eight NASCAR race victories including last year's regular-season championship with Tyler Reddick.

Wallace has been responsible for two of those victories, which came in 2021 and 2022. And while he hasn't enjoyed quite as much success as teammates like Reddick and Kurt Busch, he's consistently ranking in the top half of NASCAR Cup Series drivers in the final rankings.

As of writing, Wallace ranks eighth in the standings, ahead of Reddick and just two spots behind his other boss, Denny Hamlin.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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