During a recent hearing in the ongoing Bubba Wallace NASCAR court case, private messages between 23XI Racing owners Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk surfaced, revealing a candid conversation about a driver’s future within the team. The exchange, shared on X by FOX’s Bob Pockrass, sparked speculation that Wallace, driver of the No. 23 Toyota, was the subject of their discussion.
Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk’s text messages humorously debated the prospect of retaining a driver for the 2025 season amidst considerations of financial investment and team growth. Jordan suggested potentially spending a significant sum, contingent on Toyota’s backing and the availability of a charter, while Polk cautioned against wasting funds and emphasized improving existing assets instead. Jordan’s reply confirmed a willingness to risk millions in pursuit of their goals.
“Totally understand,” MJ texted Polk in one of the exchanges. “I will do it at (hidden) million. See if Toyota will support us if decide to keep him for 2025 or we are able to get a charter.”
“No way. We would be burning [hidden] million. Invest in what we have and make it better,” came Polk’s reply.
“I have lost that in a casino. Let’s do it,” Jordan further added.
The tweets sparked fan reactions, with one questioning if the driver they referenced was indeed Bubba Wallace. Others highlighted Jordan’s influence and resources as a beneficial presence in NASCAR ownership. Comments ranged from admiration for Jordan’s financial capability to accusations of him stirring drama.
“Him? Is he referring to keeping Bubba?” a fan wrote.
“NASCAR needs to realize MJ being an owner is good for the sport. Why? His image. His resources,” wrote another.
“jordan got that bread,” wrote one.
“NASCAR finally has an owner that can literally buy them out of existence if he REALLY wanted to,” added another.
“Mj just a shit starter. He’s making plenty and just wants to instigate,” someone added.
Bubba Wallace, the longest-serving driver at 23XI Racing, recently ended a 100-race winless streak by claiming his first major victory, the crown jewel race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), securing him a place in the 2025 playoffs. His teammate Tyler Reddick also qualified for the playoffs, while team newcomer Riley Herbst did not make the cut.
Bubba Wallace Seeks More Than Just a Win at Indianapolis
Wallace’s win at IMS carried historic importance not only for breaking his personal drought but also as a milestone for diversity, marking the first time a Black driver won at the legendary track. Despite this achievement, Wallace remains focused on striving for higher goals, aiming to become a NASCAR Cup Series champion.
“We’re not settled on the Indy win,” Bubba Wallace told reporters. “It was a great opportunity that we capitalized on to set ourselves up for the ultimate goal, which is what we had in store at the beginning of the year, which is to be a champion.”
“I don’t feel like 2023 playoffs Bubba. I feel like I belong here and wanna continue this trend and have the utmost confidence in our team and our ability and our potential to carry this into making a deep run in the playoffs,” he further added.
As Wallace prepares for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway—the opening event of the playoffs scheduled for August 31—anticipation builds around his pursuit of a championship. The race will be televised on USA Network with live radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
This unfolding situation surrounding Bubba Wallace’s future with 23XI Racing is layered with tension, amplified by the ongoing lawsuit and conversations about significant financial commitments. Michael Jordan‘s willingness to invest heavily to secure the driver’s place signals a serious consideration of Wallace‘s role amidst team strategies moving forward. What transpires in the next phase of the Bubba Wallace NASCAR court case will likely have lasting implications for both the driver’s career and the sport’s competitive landscape.
