Michael Jordan’s entry into NASCAR stems from his genuine passion for motorsports. His partnership with Denny Hamlin has given birth to a powerful new team, 23XI Racing. The duo further consolidated their rapid expansion with the idea of a dream racing shop called “AirSpeed.”
The $16 million facility is unlike anything NASCAR fans have seen before, and the team is banking on it to promote its unique identity. It is certainly a big investment by the 23XI Racing team, but they don’t expect immediate results or success from it. Rather, it is a long-term project that will allow them to capture a unique market and build an identity apart from the success stories on racetracks.
23XI Racing President explains the importance of AirSpeed
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23XI Racing is a relatively new team in NASCAR. After just three years of operation, this project, backed by a massive investment, seems like a risky bet. One that could either pay off or backfire. However, according to the team president, this new vision would open the door to new opportunities for the team, which, for the most part, remain untapped.
Do you think Michael Jordan’s $16 million investment will revolutionize NASCAR?
“The way he designed it to be kind of the Google of race shops, it kind of forces or implies that collaboration. It’s different; we’re different, you know, I talk about this team, hopefully, being the future of NASCAR. This building is what it represents, the brand and that thought process of, you know, how fans keep coming and seeing things that they haven’t been able to see in the past,” said Steve Lauletta in an interview with KeynoteUSA Chicago. Moreover, he also emphasized that co-owner Michael Jordan is fully involved in his company to take the team to the next level.
“The biggest thing is how much he loves NASCAR; he’s shown that from day one. It’s a passion of his, he’s followed it since he grew up in North Carolina. He really loves the sport and therefore what we’re doing on this team and obviously, Expect great things from us on and off the track.“And that is one of the things that motivates us every day,” he added.
A legendary player who won six NBA championships certainly doesn’t settle for mediocrity. This is reflected in his actions and the way he runs his racing team alongside his teammate.
via Imago
August 14, 2022, Richmond, Virginia, USA: August 10, 2022: Richmond, Virginia, USA: Former Chicago Bulls All Star Basketball Player, NBA, Basketball, USA MICHAEL JORDAN at the NASCAR, Motorsports, USA Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 to watch on his owned team, 23XI Racing, at Bubba Wallace s Pit Stall. Richmond, USA – ZUMAb177 20220814_zap_b177_012 : xTaidghxBarronx
Speaking of expansion and making quick moves to make a name for themselves in the sport, 23XI Racing has been active in the silly season. The main topic of conversation has been their interest in adding a third driver to their driver roster and the potential candidates that have been linked to them.
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Riley Herbst could sign for 23XI Racing
NASCAR’s silly season has been in full swing since SHR announced its exit at the end of the 2024 season. Now that charters are up for grabs, this provides an opportunity for Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin to further strengthen their racing project. Although they have not yet confirmed the purchase of the third charter, that has not stopped the rumor mill from working overtime, linking different drivers to the team.
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Corey Heim is the first option the team could consider. The driver already made his Cup debut with Legacy Motor Club, replacing the injured Erik Jones, and also drove in last weekend’s race at Nashville. However, Riley Herbst, who will no longer occupy the Xfinity seat, could emerge as a potential candidate as 23XI Racing’s third driver, according to Bob Pockrass.
Herbst recently revealed that he is in talks with several teams across all three series. He has the backing of Monster Energy, which could support his next venture. And this could be a differentiating factor for 23XI Racing when choosing its next driver. But, once again, all eyes will be on his official announcement, which will make clear his intention to expand to a three-car team in 2025.
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