Tyler Reddick is dominating the start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, driving his No. 45 23XI Racing car to a third straight victory at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas. This achievement marks a first in NASCAR’s 77-year history: no driver has ever opened a Cup season with three wins in a row. This latest triumph also represents Reddick’s 11th career victory in the Cup Series and his first time winning more than once at a single track.
Michael Jordan’s Role Behind Reddick’s Success
Reddick’s rapid rise in NASCAR has been strongly supported by his team owner, Michael Jordan, who has become more involved with 23XI Racing since selling most of his stake in the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets in 2023. Although Jordan is better known for his basketball career and ventures in shoe design, his increasing presence at races has coincided with Reddick’s impressive winning streak.
Jordan himself downplayed his role after Sunday’s race, stating,
“I just put up the money.”
This was confirmed by team co-owner Denny Hamlin, who handles the competition side of the team. Jordan’s financial backing and brand influence — including leveraging the Jordan brand sponsorship — have undoubtedly bolstered the team’s profile and resources.
In 2026, Jordan has attended all three races Reddick has won so far, including the recent triumph at COTA. His presence seems more than coincidental given Reddick’s spotless record when Jordan is at the track.
Jordan’s Growing Attendance as a Possible Good Luck Charm
While Jordan does not attend every race, his decision to be at Phoenix Raceway next week aligns with the positive trend of Reddick’s victories. Confirming his attendance, Jordan tweeted,
“I’LL BE IN PHOENIX!”
suggesting he believes his presence contributes to the driver’s success.
Statistically, Jordan’s attendance is notable. Out of Reddick’s eight wins with 23XI Racing, six occurred while Jordan was at the track. Those wins include races at Talladega Superspeedway, Michigan International Speedway, Homestead-Miami Speedway, the 2026 Daytona 500, EchoPark Speedway, and the most recent at COTA. Only two victories, including Reddick’s first win with the team at COTA in 2023, happened when Jordan was absent.
Given Reddick’s flawless record of winning all three races Jordan attended this season, the correlation suggests Jordan’s involvement might be more than mere coincidence. To paraphrase Brian Fantana from Anchorman,
“75% of the time, it works every time.”
Carson Hocevar’s Bold New Look Inspired by NASCAR Legend
Meanwhile, Carson Hocevar and Spire Motorsports introduced a striking new paint scheme on his No. 77 Chevrolet sponsored by Chili’s, embracing a darker color palette that recalls the iconic black of Dale Earnhardt’s No. 3 car. This fresh look, paired with a matching firesuit, followed Hocevar’s controversial, aggressive driving against Christopher Bell, adding intensity to his reputation on the track.
Fans have dubbed the design the Intimindente’, capturing its intimidating vibe. Hocevar’s change from the usual white and denim blue colors to this dark mode adds a serious edge, highlighted by red accents that maintain brand identity.
Despite starting 12th, Hocevar’s race ended in disappointment after a final-lap spin on the frontstretch dropped him to 31st place.
The Upcoming Race at Phoenix Raceway and What Awaits
Next on the NASCAR schedule is the Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway, marking the first non-drafting oval event this season under the desert sun. The weekend will also include races from the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the ARCA Menards Series, while the NTT IndyCar Series will serve as the opening act for the Cup Series, continuing a recent partnership following their stint at the Streets of St. Petersburg.
Christopher Bell, who won this race last year as part of a three-peat, will be defending his title. Meanwhile, Tyler Reddick aims to extend his extraordinary run to four consecutive wins this season, a staggering accomplishment that could redefine the NASCAR narrative early on.
Television coverage of the race begins Sunday, March 8, at around 3:30 p.m. ET on FS1, promising an exciting buildup as drivers confront the challenges of a non-drafting track that demands precision and strategy.
The Impact of Jordan’s Presence on NASCAR’s Landscape
Michael Jordan’s increased involvement with NASCAR through 23XI Racing is reshaping the sport’s culture and visibility. As a six-time NBA champion attending races more frequently and indirectly supporting high-profile sponsors, his presence brings heightened media attention and fan engagement. The alignment between Jordan’s appearances and Reddick’s victories lends the sensation of a lucky charm effect that heightened team morale and competitiveness.
23XI Racing’s success under Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin demonstrates the growing influence of cross-sport celebrity partnerships in NASCAR. If Reddick continues his unprecedented winning streak, Jordan’s status as a charm and key figure in the sport is likely to deepen, adding a new chapter to NASCAR’s evolving story.
— Tyler Reddick (@TylerReddick) March 2, 2026
"I'LL BE IN PHOENIX!" -Michael Jordan#NASCAR #DuraMAXGP
— Anthony Damcott (@AnthonyDamcott) March 1, 2026
https://twitter.com/NASCARONFOX/status/2028261183770308778
https://twitter.com/SpireMotorsport/status/2026329388447580230
