Michael Jordan is a name that resonates in the sports world as a legend in basketball, but his journey as the co-owner of 23XI Racing in NASCAR has added a new dimension to his legacy. Although Jordan doesn’t attend every race day in person, some critics have raised eyebrows, expecting him to show up more often. While not every team owner in NASCAR is expected to be at the racetrack regularly, somehow the bar is set higher for Jordan. Some skeptics even believe that his involvement in NASCAR is merely a financial venture. However, a surprising revelation from Kevin Harvick, a retired NASCAR star, sheds light on how deeply Jordan is involved with and passionate about the sport—potentially silencing those critics.
Imagine being a race car driver who just had a dismal day on the track, feeling down and out, only to receive a message of encouragement from one of the greatest athletes of all time, Michael Jordan. That’s exactly what happened to Kevin Harvick during his final season. Harvick shared this memorable incident in an interview with Tyler Reddick, recalling how Jordan’s words lifted his spirits after a crushing defeat. It was a perfect example of how Jordan’s legendary status extends far beyond the basketball court. His influence and motivational presence are now being felt in the fast-paced world of NASCAR.
### Harvick’s Rough Day and Jordan’s Unexpected Intervention
Harvick’s story takes place during the 2023 playoffs at Bristol Motor Speedway. After back-to-back mediocre performances at Darlington and Kansas, the Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) driver finished a dismal 29th at Bristol, ending his hopes of advancing past the Round of 16 in what would be his final season. Harvick was no stranger to the pressures of the NASCAR playoffs, having competed in them 14 times. But this time was different—it was his last shot, and the disappointment weighed heavily on him. Little did he know that a conversation with Michael Jordan was about to change his perspective.
Harvick described walking alone with his PR representative after the race, feeling dejected, when suddenly he felt a large hand on the back of his neck. He turned around to see none other than Michael Jordan, offering him a few words of wisdom. “Buddy, don’t sweat today; you’ve had a great run at it,” Jordan said, offering support in a way only someone with his level of experience in competitive sports could. This brief but powerful exchange stunned Harvick, not just because it was Michael Jordan, but because of how closely Jordan had been following his races throughout the year.
“He went into this long spiel about how he’s been watching my races, referencing specific moments, and I’m just thinking, ‘Wow, this guy really is paying attention,’” Harvick recounted during the interview. Jordan’s detailed knowledge of Harvick’s season and his ability to provide meaningful insight showcased his genuine interest in NASCAR and his team’s performance. For Harvick, it was an unexpected but welcome boost from one of the greatest sports icons in history.
### Michael Jordan: The Mentor Every Driver Dreams Of
Jordan’s interaction with Harvick offers a glimpse into the kind of mentor and leader he is—not just for basketball players, but also for the NASCAR drivers under his banner. Harvick’s experience isn’t an isolated incident; Jordan’s involvement in the sport goes far beyond a financial investment. It’s clear that he brings the same intensity, drive, and competitive spirit to NASCAR that he did to his illustrious basketball career.
Tyler Reddick, one of the two drivers on Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, had a similar story of how Jordan’s hands-on approach caught him by surprise. Known for his straightforwardness, Jordan didn’t hesitate to challenge Reddick on his weaknesses. In an interview with Harvick, Reddick recalled an eye-opening moment during a conversation with Jordan and fellow 23XI driver, Bubba Wallace, at Daytona. They were discussing speedway racing, and Jordan, in his usual direct fashion, called Reddick out for his subpar performances on superspeedways.
Reddick was taken aback when Jordan said, “Man, you don’t have anyone to talk to, you’re terrible at speedway racing.” While some might have been insulted, Reddick saw the comment as an honest assessment from someone who knew what he was talking about. “I wasn’t expecting it, but I took it the right way. I knew I had work to do,” Reddick admitted.
### Jordan’s Relentless Drive for Excellence
For anyone who has seen “The Last Dance,” the documentary chronicling Michael Jordan’s final season with the Chicago Bulls, it’s clear how demanding and competitive he was as a player. He pushed not only himself but also his teammates to their absolute limits in the pursuit of greatness. This same mentality has carried over into his role as co-owner of 23XI Racing. Jordan is not content with simply being a figurehead; he’s actively involved, pushing his drivers to improve and challenging them to reach new heights.
Reddick’s story is a perfect example of how Jordan motivates his team. Jordan’s sharp critique didn’t just sting—it spurred Reddick into action. After that conversation, Reddick worked hard to improve his performance on superspeedways, and it paid off. His first victory in 2024 came at the Talladega Superspeedway, a track where he had previously struggled. It’s a testament to Jordan’s ability to inspire and challenge his drivers, even if it means pointing out their shortcomings.
Jordan’s approach to team ownership mirrors his playing days: he’s engaged, knowledgeable, and unafraid to speak his mind. He’s not in NASCAR just for the glamour or financial rewards—he’s in it to win, and he expects the same commitment from his drivers.
### A Legacy Beyond Basketball
Michael Jordan’s journey in NASCAR is more than just a business venture. It’s a continuation of his relentless pursuit of excellence, this time in the high-octane world of stock car racing. While some critics may have initially doubted his involvement, stories from drivers like Kevin Harvick and Tyler Reddick prove that Jordan’s impact is real and meaningful. Whether it’s offering words of encouragement after a tough race or bluntly pointing out areas for improvement, Jordan’s presence in NASCAR is already shaping the sport in ways that go beyond mere ownership.
For Harvick, that one moment at Bristol will be remembered not just as a low point in his career, but as the day one of the greatest athletes in history took the time to lift his spirits. For Reddick, Jordan’s critique may have stung at first, but it ultimately fueled his growth as a driver. And for the rest of us, it’s a reminder that whether on the basketball court or in the world of NASCAR, Michael Jordan’s influence is undeniable—pushing everyone around him to be the best version of themselves.
In the end, it’s clear that Jordan’s heart is fully invested in NASCAR, just as it was in basketball. He’s not just there for the glory; he’s there to build something great, and the drivers fortunate enough to work with him know they’re in the presence of a true legend.
Kevin Harvick Reveals His Surprise at the Transformative Advice from Michael Jordan That Altered His Perspective.
