Michael Jordan's NASCAR Team and Its Drivers

Michael Jordan Racing, formally known as 23XI Racing, fields two full-time NASCAR Cup Series cars. The team was founded in 2021 as a partnership between Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, a veteran NASCAR driver. Jordan owns a controlling stake in the organization, making it one of the few NASCAR teams with majority ownership by a Black investor.

The two primary drivers rotate based on the season and sponsorship agreements. As of 2024, the team fields cars in the NASCAR Cup Series, the top national racing division. Driver lineups change year to year, so the names you see on the team's cars today may differ from next season.

Beyond the two full-time drivers, 23XI Racing also runs cars in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series and Craftsman Series (formerly Xfinity Series), with additional drivers rotating through those programs. The organization has grown from a single-car operation to a multi-car, multi-series team in just a few years.

Key Takeaways

  • Michael Jordan Racing (23XI Racing) fields two full-time NASCAR Cup Series cars with driver lineups that change annually based on sponsorship and performance.
  • The team was founded in 2021 as a partnership between Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin, with Jordan holding majority ownership.
  • 23XI Racing also competes in the NASCAR Truck Series and Craftsman Series with rotating driver rosters.
  • Driver names and numbers change from season to season, so checking the official team website gives you the current roster.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Lineup

In the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season, 23XI Racing ran the No. 23 car and the No. 45 car. The No. 23 has historically been driven by Tyler Reddick, while the No. 45 has rotated between drivers including Bubba Wallace, a driver who has been closely associated with the team since its founding.

Bubba Wallace, in particular, has become the face of 23XI Racing. He drives the No. 45 car and has been with the organization since its inception. Wallace is known for his work both on track and in advocating for diversity in NASCAR, an area where Jordan's ownership has also brought increased visibility.

Driver assignments in NASCAR change frequently due to sponsorship deals, contract negotiations, and performance metrics. A driver who races for 23XI in one season may move to another team the following year, or a new driver may join the roster. For the most current driver information, the official 23XI Racing website and NASCAR.com maintain up-to-date rosters.

How Michael Jordan Became a NASCAR Team Owner

Michael Jordan entered NASCAR ownership in 2021 when he partnered with Denny Hamlin to create 23XI Racing. The team name references Jordan's iconic number 23 from his basketball career. Hamlin, who had been driving in NASCAR for nearly two decades, brought operational and racing informed to the partnership.

The team started with a single car in the NASCAR Cup Series and expanded rapidly. By 2022, 23XI Racing had added a second full-time car and began fielding additional vehicles in the Truck Series and Craftsman Series. This growth reflected both the team's competitive success and the increased sponsorship interest that came with Jordan's involvement.

Jordan's ownership stake in 23XI Racing represents a significant milestone in NASCAR history. The sport has historically had limited ownership diversity at the team level, and Jordan's investment brought both financial resources and mainstream attention to the organization.

23XI Racing's Truck Series and Craftsman Series Teams

Beyond the Cup Series, 23XI Racing competes in NASCAR's Craftsman Truck Series and Craftsman Series (the second-tier national series). These programs serve as development grounds for younger drivers and as additional revenue streams for the organization through sponsorship.

The Truck Series and Craftsman Series rosters are larger and change more frequently than the Cup Series lineup. Drivers may run a partial schedule (some races per season) or a full schedule depending on sponsorship availability and team strategy. Some drivers use these series as stepping stones toward a full-time Cup Series ride, while others compete at these levels throughout their careers.

Like the Cup Series roster, the Truck Series and Craftsman Series driver lists change annually. The official 23XI Racing website lists current drivers across all three series.

Where to Find Current Driver Information

Driver rosters in NASCAR change frequently enough that any list published here would become outdated within months. The most reliable sources for current 23XI Racing drivers are the official team website (23xiRacing.com) and NASCAR.com's official driver and team pages.

These sources update in real time when drivers are signed, released, or moved between series. They also provide driver statistics, car numbers, and sponsorship information for each season. If you follow NASCAR news through ESPN, Fox Sports, or NASCAR's own media channels, you will see announcements when major driver changes occur.

Social media accounts for 23XI Racing and individual drivers also post updates about roster changes, race results, and team news throughout the season.

The Role of Denny Hamlin in the Organization

Denny Hamlin is both a co-founder and a driver for 23XI Racing. He holds a minority ownership stake in the team while also driving the No. 11 car in select races and serving in a leadership capacity. Hamlin's dual role as owner and driver is uncommon in modern NASCAR but not unprecedented.

Hamlin's experience as a long-time Cup Series driver gives him credibility in recruiting other drivers and making decisions about team strategy. He has been instrumental in building 23XI Racing's competitive program and has helped attract sponsorship deals that fund the team's operations.

While Hamlin is a visible face of the organization, Michael Jordan holds the controlling ownership stake, making him the principal owner of the team.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Michael Jordan actually drive in NASCAR races?

No. Michael Jordan is the team owner, not a driver. He owns 23XI Racing but does not compete in races. The drivers listed on the team are the ones who actually pilot the cars during NASCAR events.

What number car does Michael Jordan's team race?

23XI Racing fields the No. 23 and No. 45 cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. The No. 23 references Jordan's famous basketball number. Additional cars with different numbers compete in the Truck Series and Craftsman Series.

How often does the driver lineup change?

Driver rosters typically change once per year, usually in the off-season between November and January. However, mid-season changes can occur if a driver leaves the team or is replaced. Sponsorship deals often determine whether a driver stays or moves to another team.

Can I watch 23XI Racing races on television?

Yes. NASCAR Cup Series races air on Fox, NBC, and USA Network throughout the season. Truck Series and Craftsman Series races air on cable networks including Fox Sports 1 and USA Network. Check NASCAR.com for the weekly broadcast schedule.

Where is 23XI Racing based?

23XI Racing is based in Charlotte, North Carolina, the heart of NASCAR's racing industry. Most NASCAR teams operate out of the Charlotte area, where they have access to shops, suppliers, and a large pool of racing talent.