The 23XI Racing Team, co-owned by NBA superstar Michael Jordan and NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin, is on the brink of a major development in stock car racing. Currently fielding two cars with drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, the team is now actively seeking to acquire a third charter. This move is setting up a high-stakes showdown between two of NASCAR’s most influential figures: Jordan and Tony Stewart. At the heart of this competition is Riley Herbst, an emerging talent in the Xfinity Series, whose future may hinge on the outcome of this intense rivalry.
Michael Jordan, who co-owns 23XI Racing, sees a significant opportunity for growth by adding a third car to the team’s roster. This potential expansion is not merely about increasing the number of cars on the track but is also aimed at enhancing the team’s overall competitiveness and creating additional opportunities for promising drivers. As the 23XI Racing team looks to bolster its lineup, they are entering a competitive arena where Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), currently facing challenges and scheduled to close after the 2024 season, is also looking to capitalize on available charters.
Tony Stewart, a former NASCAR champion and current team owner, is keen on securing these valuable charters to strengthen his own team. This has led to a competitive rivalry between Stewart and Jordan, with both aiming to fortify their teams with the best available resources and talent. The competition for these charters has become particularly heated, as each team seeks to position itself advantageously for the future.
At the center of this unfolding drama is Riley Herbst, a promising young driver who has recently made headlines in the Xfinity Series. Currently racing full-time for Stewart-Haas Racing, Herbst has garnered attention with his impressive performances, including his first career Xfinity Series victory. His success on the track has caught the eye of 23XI Racing’s co-owners, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Moreover, Herbst’s strong partnership with Monster Energy, a key sponsor of 23XI Racing, makes him an even more attractive option for the team. Integrating Herbst into the 23XI lineup could further strengthen the connection between the driver and the sponsor, enhancing both the team’s performance and its commercial appeal.
However, Riley Herbst is not the only driver under consideration for the third car at 23XI Racing. Corey Heim, another emerging star, is also a potential candidate. Heim has been making waves in the NASCAR Truck Series, where he won the regular season championship in 2023 and has amassed seven career victories. As a Toyota Development Driver, Heim has strong ties to Toyota Racing, which could be advantageous for 23XI Racing, a team that fields Toyota Camrys. Heim’s recent performances in the Truck Series, coupled with his select starts in the Xfinity Series for Toyota-affiliated Sam Hunt Racing, have positioned him as a promising prospect for a future Cup Series role.
Heim’s relationship with Toyota and his strong track record make him a compelling candidate for the third car at 23XI Racing. The team has already given Heim a chance to showcase his skills in the Cup Series, including substitute appearances for Erik Jones at Dover and Kansas earlier this season. Toyota’s support and resources are crucial for 23XI Racing’s expansion plans, and bringing Heim into the team would further solidify this relationship, potentially paving the way for him to secure a full-time position in the future.
As 23XI Racing prepares for this pivotal moment in its expansion, the excitement around the potential addition of a third car is palpable. The upcoming races will be crucial for both Riley Herbst and Corey Heim as they vie for a permanent spot in the Cup Series. Fans should stay tuned to follow this thrilling chapter in NASCAR, watching closely as these drivers compete for their place on the track and the opportunity to advance their careers in the sport.
