In a revelation that caught the racing world by surprise, two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch has disclosed past discussions with basketball legend Michael Jordan regarding a potential switch to 23XI Racing. The team, co-founded by Jordan and Cup Series standout Denny Hamlin, has quickly become an exciting presence in NASCAR since its inception in 2021, achieving notable success, including a regular season championship win with Tyler Reddick in 2024. This intriguing development, shared by Busch, has sparked speculation about what could have been had those talks materialized into a team move.
Busch’s wife, Samantha, candidly admitted her continued admiration for Jordan, stating she still finds herself starstruck by the six-time NBA champion when they cross paths at the racetrack. Confirming Samantha’s claim, Busch recounted on the Bert Kreischer YouTube channel that Jordan had indeed reached out to discuss a potential partnership. “You remember when Joe Gibbs fired me?” Busch shared. “I had to talk to Michael Jordan about hiring me.” Despite the gravity of the discussions, Busch emphasized the professional nature of the call, noting, “It was a work call…I wasn’t fanboying on him or anything, but Samantha fangirls on him all the time.”
The proposed move did not materialize, leading Busch to sign with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) before the 2022 season. His decision proved fruitful, as Busch clinched three races with the No. 8 Chevrolet, with the latest victory occurring at the World Wide Technology Raceway in 2023. As Busch’s contract with RCR nears its end, the possibility of reviving talks with 23XI Racing looms, though nothing definitive has been announced.
While fans speculate about a future switch, Busch has set aside retirement plans, instead focusing on his passion for racing and dedication to improving his current team’s performance. Reflecting on his journey, Busch remarked, “It [retirement] was a consideration three years ago,” He continued, “When you’re still out here being able to enjoy what you’re doing, working with your team and continuing to try to improve RCR and improve the program and get it to where we all want it and put ourselves in Victory Lane, we’re gonna keep working at it.”
In a sport driven by high-stakes decisions and fluctuating fortunes, Busch’s revelations offer a fascinating glimpse into the intricate dynamics of NASCAR team strategies and the ongoing negotiations that shape its landscape. As the racing community waits with bated breath, the outcome of Busch’s trajectory in NASCAR remains a highly anticipated narrative, with possible implications that could reshape team alliances and championship pursuits.
