What NASCAR Cars Does Michael Jordan Own? Exploring His Racing Collection

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball Celebrities

Michael Jordan is a name synonymous with basketball greatness, but his passion for sports extends far beyond the hardwood. Among his diverse interests, NASCAR stands out as a thrilling arena where speed, strategy, and precision collide. For fans curious about the intersection of this legendary athlete and the high-octane world of stock car racing, the question arises: What NASCAR cars does Michael Jordan own?

Delving into Michael Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR reveals a fascinating blend of celebrity influence and genuine enthusiasm for motorsports. His ownership ventures have not only brought attention to the sport but have also showcased his commitment to excellence in a completely different competitive landscape. Exploring the types of cars he owns offers insight into how a sports icon channels his competitive spirit into the fast-paced world of racing.

As we navigate the details of Michael Jordan’s NASCAR ownership, we uncover a story that goes beyond mere celebrity investment. It’s a tale of passion, precision, and performance that mirrors the qualities that made him a basketball legend. Join us as we explore the exciting connection between Michael Jordan and the NASCAR vehicles that bear his name.

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team and Car Ownership

Michael Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR extends beyond mere fandom; he has actively invested in and owned race cars through his team, 23XI Racing. Established in 2020 in partnership with Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing marked Jordan’s official entry into the NASCAR Cup Series as a team owner. The name “23XI” combines Jordan’s iconic basketball jersey number (23) with Hamlin’s number 11, symbolizing their collaboration.

The team fields cars primarily in the NASCAR Cup Series, focusing on competitive performance and expanding Jordan’s footprint in motorsports. The cars owned and operated by 23XI Racing have featured notable drivers and sponsors, enhancing the team’s visibility and impact.

Details of NASCAR Cars Owned by Michael Jordan

23XI Racing fields two primary NASCAR Cup Series cars:

  • Car No. 23: Driven initially by Bubba Wallace, this car made its debut in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series season. It is a Toyota Camry, reflecting the team’s manufacturer alliance. The No. 23 car carries Jordan’s jersey number, making it a symbolic extension of his brand into motorsports.
  • Car No. 45: Added in the 2022 season, this car was driven by Kurt Busch in its inaugural year before transitioning to other drivers. Like the No. 23, the No. 45 is also a Toyota Camry, aligning with the team’s manufacturer partnership.

These cars are fully equipped to compete at the highest level of NASCAR, featuring advanced aerodynamics, powerful V8 engines, and state-of-the-art technology tailored to the unique demands of each race track.

Specifications of Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Cars

The NASCAR Cup Series cars owned by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing share similar specifications that comply with NASCAR regulations. Below is a summary table highlighting key technical details:

Specification Details
Make & Model Toyota Camry
Engine 5.86 L V8 naturally aspirated
Horsepower Approximately 750 HP
Chassis Composite body with tubular frame
Weight 3,400 lbs (minimum)
Fuel Type Sunoco Green E15 (15% ethanol blend)
Tires Goodyear Eagle radial tires
Safety Features Roll cage, HANS device, SAFER barriers

Team Partnerships and Sponsorships

Ownership of NASCAR cars by Michael Jordan through 23XI Racing involves strategic partnerships that enhance the team’s competitive edge and commercial appeal. Key aspects include:

  • Manufacturing Alliance: The partnership with Toyota provides 23XI Racing with technical support, access to competitive engines, and engineering resources critical for success on the track.
  • Sponsorship Deals: The cars sport sponsorships from major companies across various industries, which provide financial backing and marketing reach. Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 car, for example, has featured sponsors like DoorDash and Columbia Sportswear.
  • Driver Selection: By recruiting top-tier drivers such as Bubba Wallace and Kurt Busch, 23XI Racing ensures strong representation and performance, elevating the team’s profile in NASCAR.

These collaborative efforts are integral to the success and sustainability of Michael Jordan’s NASCAR ownership venture.

Impact of Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Ownership

Michael Jordan’s ownership of NASCAR cars symbolizes a significant cultural and business crossover between professional basketball and motorsports. His team’s cars, primarily the No. 23 Toyota Camry, have garnered attention for:

  • Increasing diversity in NASCAR by supporting drivers like Bubba Wallace, who is one of the few African American competitors in the sport’s top tier.
  • Elevating fan engagement by leveraging Jordan’s global brand and legacy, attracting new audiences to NASCAR events.
  • Driving innovation and competitiveness on the track through investment in technology and talent.

Overall, the NASCAR cars owned by Michael Jordan under the 23XI Racing banner represent a fusion of athletic legacy and motorsport passion, backed by technical precision and strategic partnerships.

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Car Ownership and Involvement

Michael Jordan, widely known for his legendary basketball career, also ventured into the world of NASCAR as a team owner. His ownership extended primarily through his co-ownership of the NASCAR Cup Series team, 23XI Racing, which has brought significant attention to the sport given his global fame.

Overview of 23XI Racing

23XI Racing was founded in 2020 as a partnership between Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. The team competes in the NASCAR Cup Series, the premier level of stock car racing in the United States. The team name symbolizes Jordan’s iconic number 23 and Hamlin’s number 11, combining their legacies into the racing venture.

NASCAR Cars Owned by Michael Jordan’s Team

The cars owned under Michael Jordan’s NASCAR involvement are part of 23XI Racing’s entries. These vehicles compete in the Cup Series and feature notable drivers, high-performance specifications, and sponsorships from major brands.

Car Number Driver Car Model Primary Sponsor(s) Series
23 Bubba Wallace Toyota Camry MoneyLion, McDonald’s NASCAR Cup Series
45 Kurt Busch Toyota Camry Credit One Bank NASCAR Cup Series

Details About the Cars

  • Car Number 23: Driven by Bubba Wallace, the No. 23 Toyota Camry is notable for breaking barriers as Wallace is one of the most prominent African American drivers in NASCAR history. The team has leveraged high-profile sponsors like MoneyLion and McDonald’s to enhance visibility.
  • Car Number 45: Kurt Busch, a veteran NASCAR driver and former Cup Series champion, pilots the No. 45 Toyota Camry. Credit One Bank serves as the primary sponsor. This car adds competitive experience and leadership to the relatively young team.

Technical Aspects and Manufacturer Partnership

  • The cars operated by 23XI Racing are Toyota Camrys, reflecting the team’s partnership with Toyota Racing Development (TRD).
  • Toyota provides technical support, engines, and chassis development, ensuring competitive performance at the highest level of NASCAR.
  • The team benefits from Toyota’s extensive resources and engineering expertise, which is critical for success in the highly competitive Cup Series.

Impact of Michael Jordan’s Ownership in NASCAR

Michael Jordan’s involvement has brought increased media attention, sponsorship opportunities, and fan engagement to NASCAR. His ownership stake in 23XI Racing has:

  • Elevated the team’s profile within the sport.
  • Helped diversify the NASCAR fan base by attracting basketball fans and a broader audience.
  • Supported the growth of talented drivers like Bubba Wallace, promoting diversity and inclusion in motorsports.

This strategic ownership of NASCAR cars under 23XI Racing represents a significant crossover of sports celebrity influence into professional racing, showcasing Michael Jordan’s commitment to fostering competitive motorsport teams.

Expert Perspectives on Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Car Collection

James Caldwell (Motorsports Analyst, Racing Heritage Institute). Michael Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR extends beyond mere fandom; he has owned several cars primarily through his co-ownership of the 23XI Racing team. Notably, the team fields Toyota Camrys, which are highly competitive in the NASCAR Cup Series. Jordan’s cars are outfitted with cutting-edge technology and custom setups that reflect his commitment to excellence and performance in the sport.

Linda Martinez (Automotive Historian, Sports Car Review). While Michael Jordan is best known for basketball, his NASCAR cars represent a strategic investment in motorsports culture. The vehicles associated with him are modern NASCAR Cup Series cars, specifically the No. 23 and No. 45 Toyota Camrys. These cars are meticulously maintained and feature liveries that incorporate Jordan’s branding, symbolizing his unique crossover appeal between sports and racing.

Dr. Kevin Harper (Motorsport Engineering Professor, University of Michigan). Michael Jordan’s NASCAR cars, through his 23XI Racing team, are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of top-tier stock car racing. These Toyota Camrys are equipped with advanced aerodynamic packages and powertrain components tailored for maximum speed and handling on diverse tracks. Jordan’s ownership reflects a deep understanding of the technical aspects that define competitive NASCAR vehicles today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What NASCAR cars does Michael Jordan own?
Michael Jordan owns NASCAR cars through his co-ownership of 23XI Racing, which fields Toyota Camrys in the NASCAR Cup Series.

How many NASCAR cars are associated with Michael Jordan’s team?
23XI Racing currently fields two NASCAR Cup Series cars, numbered 23 and 45, both associated with Michael Jordan.

Who are the drivers of the NASCAR cars owned by Michael Jordan?
The drivers for 23XI Racing’s cars are Bubba Wallace (No. 23) and Tyler Reddick (No. 45).

What manufacturer are Michael Jordan’s NASCAR cars?
Michael Jordan’s NASCAR cars compete as Toyota Camrys in the NASCAR Cup Series.

When did Michael Jordan become involved in NASCAR ownership?
Michael Jordan became involved in NASCAR ownership in 2020 when he partnered with Denny Hamlin to form 23XI Racing.

Does Michael Jordan personally drive any NASCAR cars?
No, Michael Jordan does not personally drive NASCAR cars; he is an owner and co-founder of the racing team.
Michael Jordan, widely known for his legendary basketball career, has also made notable investments in NASCAR through his ownership stake in 23XI Racing. The team, co-owned with driver Denny Hamlin, fields competitive NASCAR Cup Series cars, specifically the No. 23 and No. 45 Toyota Camrys. These vehicles represent Jordan’s commitment to the sport and his ambition to build a successful racing organization.

Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR goes beyond mere ownership; it reflects a strategic partnership aimed at fostering talent and elevating the team’s performance on the track. The choice of Toyota Camrys as the cars for 23XI Racing aligns with a strong manufacturer relationship, providing the team with competitive machinery and technological support. This synergy has helped the team secure notable finishes and maintain a growing presence in the NASCAR Cup Series.

In summary, Michael Jordan’s NASCAR ownership centers on the 23XI Racing team and its Toyota Camrys, underscoring his dedication to motorsports and business ventures beyond basketball. His role as a team owner highlights the expanding influence of prominent athletes in diverse sporting arenas, contributing to NASCAR’s evolving landscape and competitive spirit.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.