From antitrust fight to victory lane: Michael Jordan’s 23XI grabs a Daytona 500 win
Michael Jordan knows the specific weight of a championship ring—he has six of them defining his legacy with the Chicago Bulls. On Sunday, the NBA icon added a monumental piece of hardware to his collection, not from the hardwood, but from the high banks of Daytona International Speedway. In a narrative arc that rivals his 1998 "Last Dance," Jordan’s 23XI Racing team captured the Daytona 500 victory with driver Tyler Reddick, capping a volatile winter that saw the organization transition from a federal courtroom to Victory Lane in just two months.
The triumph serves as profound vindication for Jordan and his co-owner, Denny Hamlin. Throughout late 2025, 23XI Racing stood at the center of a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, challenging the sport’s charter system and alleging monopolistic practices. The bitter dispute, which threatened the team's very existence, was settled in December 2025, granting the organization the permanent charters they fought for. Fast forward to February, and the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE was holding off the field to deliver the team’s first title in "The Great American Race."
"It feels like I won a championship," a jubilant Jordan told reporters amidst the confetti, his competitive fire as palpable as it was during his playing days. When asked about the upcoming ring ceremony, the Hall of Famer didn’t hesitate with a grin: "Size 13." The victory was particularly symbolic as it occurred on NBA All-Star Sunday, effectively shifting the sports world's attention from the basketball court to the race track.
For the NBA community, witnessing "His Airness" hoist the Harley J. Earl Trophy reinforces his relentless pursuit of excellence. While his tenure as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets saw struggles, his aggressive venture into motorsports has now reached the pinnacle. This win validates Jordan’s refusal to back down—whether facing the Detroit Pistons or the corporate hierarchy of stock car racing. As Jordan embraced Reddick in the infield, it was clear: the venue has changed, but the winning DNA remains absolute.
The triumph serves as profound vindication for Jordan and his co-owner, Denny Hamlin. Throughout late 2025, 23XI Racing stood at the center of a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, challenging the sport’s charter system and alleging monopolistic practices. The bitter dispute, which threatened the team's very existence, was settled in December 2025, granting the organization the permanent charters they fought for. Fast forward to February, and the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE was holding off the field to deliver the team’s first title in "The Great American Race."
"It feels like I won a championship," a jubilant Jordan told reporters amidst the confetti, his competitive fire as palpable as it was during his playing days. When asked about the upcoming ring ceremony, the Hall of Famer didn’t hesitate with a grin: "Size 13." The victory was particularly symbolic as it occurred on NBA All-Star Sunday, effectively shifting the sports world's attention from the basketball court to the race track.
For the NBA community, witnessing "His Airness" hoist the Harley J. Earl Trophy reinforces his relentless pursuit of excellence. While his tenure as the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets saw struggles, his aggressive venture into motorsports has now reached the pinnacle. This win validates Jordan’s refusal to back down—whether facing the Detroit Pistons or the corporate hierarchy of stock car racing. As Jordan embraced Reddick in the infield, it was clear: the venue has changed, but the winning DNA remains absolute.
