NASCAR drivers are noticing Michael Jordan’s impact in sport

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Zack Pearson | Last updated Mar 9, 2026 11:33 AM ET

Michael Jordan found a lot of success on the basketball court, being considered the greatest to ever play the game. But in life after basketball, Jordan is now finding success in another sport.

Jordan is a co-owner of the 23XI Racing team along with Denny Hamlin and to start the 2026 NASCAR season, one of his drivers, Tyler Reddick won three-of-four races. Reddick won the first three races of the season before finishing eighth in Phoenix on Sunday. Overall, it was a good day for 23XI who also had Bubba Wallace placing sixth.

But before the race began, one driver made sure to note how much Jordan is impacting NASCAR.

Brad Keselowski approves of Michael Jordan in NASCAR

Feb 15, 2026; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick (right) and team owner Michael Jordan celebrate with the Harley J. Earl Trophy in victory lane after winning the 68th running of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Ahead of the season, Jordan and 23XI settled on an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in December 2025. That was a win for 23XI Racing as Jordan was a prominent figure in the hearings.

Now, drivers are starting to notice the impact Jordan is having on the sport. Here is what Brad Keselowski had to say when asked about that ahead of the race in Phoenix.

“Yeah, I mean it’s hard to argue against Michael having a positive influence on the sport,” Keselowski said. “I love the fact that he’s so engaged and at the races. I just can’t emphasize enough how important that is, not just Michael, but for any of the key stakeholders to just have physical presence at the racetrack. That’s for all levels.

“So for him to have physical presence, a testament for his fortitude for being a part of the sport. Because, lets face it, although he’s won the first three races, he’s lost a lot more. As every car owner will, it’s not a dig on him. If I’m a guy like him, personally, and I say ‘Where do I want to be today?’ And I know that I have less than a 10 percent chance of winning, flying my butt all across the country when I have all the things that Michael has, it probably something that takes me a minute to emotionally justify. But he does. I’ll give him a lot of respect and credit for that.”

Jordan has been to all four races this season and with the success that his team is having, we can expect more races for Jordan to attend this season.

It’s also awesome to see drivers notice that and respect that with Jordan.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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