Michael Jordan, known for his fierce competitive nature, ventured into NASCAR as a team owner in 2021 by establishing 23XI Racing. He selected Bubba Wallace as his first driver, bringing his passion for winning into the motorsports world. Recently, Wallace shared an important lesson that Jordan taught him, shedding light on why the basketball legend prefers not to get behind the wheel of the cars he owns.
The Contrasting Attitudes of Jordan: From NBA Legend to NASCAR Owner
In a conversation with Katie Nolan, Wallace depicted Jordan as a remarkably calm and laid-back boss, a stark contrast to the relentless competitor fans remember from his NBA days. While Jordan’s intensity during his basketball career was legendary, especially rivaling that of Kobe Bryant, his approach as an owner is much more measured and cautious.
This shift seems necessary in the high-stakes world of motorsports, where rash decisions or reckless risks can have major consequences. Wallace revealed that Jordan avoids taking part in any racing activities himself, choosing instead to maintain a strategic and careful stance toward his team’s racing endeavors.
Why Michael Jordan Avoids Driving NASCAR Cars
When asked by Nolan if Jordan had ever driven with him, Wallace answered definitively that he has not, adding that Jordan “won’t.” The rationale behind Jordan’s decision is practical. As Wallace recounted,
He taught me that if you know you’re gonna go into something and lose, don’t participate.
—Bubba Wallace, Driver
This advice may seem simple, but it reflects a winning mindset that informs Jordan’s management of his NASCAR team. Although Jordan famously embraced challenges in his athletic career—like temporarily quitting the NBA to pursue baseball—he applies a more cautious approach when it comes to racing. The extreme speeds and risks involved in NASCAR driving clearly mark a different territory than Jordan’s previous sporting pursuits.
Jordan’s Role in NASCAR and Recent Successes
While Jordan stays off the track, he channels his enthusiasm for racing through his drivers, including Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. His ownership of 23XI Racing has already produced significant results, highlighted by Wallace’s recent victory at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis, marking Jordan’s ninth NASCAR Cup Series win as an owner.
This triumph not only proves the merit of Jordan’s investment but also justifies Wallace’s $2.2 million salary with 23XI Racing. Jordan once stated that he only rewards large salaries to winners, and with Wallace’s latest success, that promise has been fulfilled—prompting Wallace to enthusiastically remind Jordan of his commitment.
The Broader Impact of Jordan’s NASCAR Venture
Michael Jordan’s decision to own a NASCAR team rather than drive himself underscores his pragmatic approach to competition off the basketball court. By entrusting his drivers with the challenge of racing at high speeds, Jordan leverages his business acumen to build a winning team without risking unnecessary personal hazards. This strategy has already generated historic wins and could continue to shape the future of his NASCAR involvement as 23XI Racing grows.
