23XI Racing Overview
23XI Racing is an American professional auto racing team competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Founded in 2020, the team is co-owned by basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, and Curtis Polk. Based in Huntersville, North Carolina, 23XI Racing fields multiple Toyota Camrys and maintains a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing. The team has quickly established itself as a competitive presence in NASCAR, featuring drivers such as Bubba Wallace, Riley Herbst, Tyler Reddick, and Corey Heim.
Founding and Organizational Origins
23XI Racing was officially announced in September 2020 by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, combining Jordan’s iconic number 23 with Hamlin’s Cup Series number 11 to form the team name. The team was created to bring a fresh and competitive approach to NASCAR, with Jordan as the majority owner and Hamlin as a minority owner. The organization purchased a charter from Germain Racing to guarantee starting spots in every 2021 race. Early sponsorships included DoorDash, McDonald’s, Columbia Sportswear, Dr Pepper, and Root, Inc., and the team operated out of a former Germain Racing shop.
Veteran motorsports executive Steve Lauletta was named team president shortly after the team’s formation, bringing leadership and experience to the new operation. The team leveraged crew members from Germain Racing to build its pit crew and technical staff, establishing a solid foundation for competition. The initial driver lineup featured Bubba Wallace, who had recently left Richard Petty Motorsports, marking a significant moment for diversity in NASCAR.
Growth Into NASCAR Cup Series Competition
23XI Racing entered the NASCAR Cup Series in 2021, fielding the No. 23 Toyota Camry for Bubba Wallace. The team quickly formed a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing, benefiting from shared resources and expertise. Early operations focused on building competitive performance and establishing the team’s presence in the series. The team expanded its driver lineup over time, adding Riley Herbst in the No. 35 car and Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 car, with Corey Heim competing part-time in the No. 67 car.
In 2023, 23XI Racing began operating its own pit crews rather than leasing from Joe Gibbs Racing, signaling growth in infrastructure and independence. The team also opened a new state-of-the-art race shop and headquarters named “Airspeed” in Huntersville, North Carolina, in 2024, further enhancing its operational capabilities and commitment to long-term success.
23XI Racing Competitive Journey
Since its debut in 2021, 23XI Racing has progressed rapidly in the NASCAR Cup Series, achieving multiple race victories and pole positions. The team has developed a reputation for competitive performances, highlighted by Bubba Wallace’s historic win at Talladega and Tyler Reddick’s multiple victories. The organization continues to evolve its driver lineup and technical partnerships to maintain its upward trajectory.
Early Seasons and Development (2021–2022)
In its inaugural 2021 season, 23XI Racing focused on establishing competitiveness with Bubba Wallace behind the wheel of the No. 23 car. Wallace secured the team’s first stage win and first race victory at the rain-shortened YellaWood 500 at Talladega, becoming the second Black driver to win a Cup race. The team also secured several top-five and top-ten finishes, demonstrating promising potential.
The 2022 season saw continued growth, with Wallace finishing second at the Daytona 500 and posting multiple top-ten finishes. The team expanded by adding Kurt Busch to drive the No. 45 car, which later transitioned to Tyler Reddick in 2023. The organization also began developing its own pit crews and infrastructure, signaling a strategic investment in operational independence and competitive consistency.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Cup Series (2023–2024)
During the 2023 season, 23XI Racing solidified its presence with Tyler Reddick joining full-time in the No. 45 car and Riley Herbst taking on the No. 35 car. Reddick earned multiple wins, including at the Circuit of the Americas and Kansas, while Wallace made the playoffs for the first time. The team demonstrated competitive stability and strategic growth, with improved race strategies and engineering support.
In 2024, 23XI Racing continued its success with Reddick securing wins at Talladega and Michigan and clinching the regular season championship. The team faced challenges including fines and penalties related to race conduct but maintained strong performances. The opening of the new “Airspeed” facility marked a significant milestone, enhancing the team’s technical capabilities and long-term competitiveness.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2024–Present)
Currently, 23XI Racing operates under the leadership of President Steve Lauletta and maintains a strong partnership with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing. The team fields four cars with drivers Bubba Wallace, Riley Herbst, Tyler Reddick, and part-time driver Corey Heim. The new headquarters and race shop in Huntersville provide advanced resources for car development and team operations.
Looking forward, 23XI Racing aims to build on its recent successes by expanding its competitive footprint, investing in driver development, and enhancing technical innovation. The team remains committed to its core values of diversity, performance, and growth within NASCAR.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
23XI Racing emphasizes strategic race management, technical collaboration, and driver development. The team excels in road course and superspeedway events, leveraging strong engineering support and adaptive race strategies. Its identity is shaped by a commitment to competitiveness and breaking new ground in NASCAR.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key milestones include Bubba Wallace’s historic first win at Talladega in 2021, Tyler Reddick’s multiple victories and regular season championship in 2024, and the establishment of the “Airspeed” facility. The team’s formation by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin also represents a unique and high-profile entry into NASCAR ownership.
23XI Racing Achievements and Results
Since its inception, 23XI Racing has accumulated nine race victories and eight pole positions across 180 races in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team has consistently competed at a high level, achieving playoff appearances and landmark wins that have elevated its status within the sport.
NASCAR Cup Series Achievements
23XI Racing secured its first race win in 2021 with Bubba Wallace at Talladega, marking a historic moment for diversity in NASCAR. The team has since added multiple wins, including Tyler Reddick’s victories in 2023 and 2024. These successes highlight the team’s rapid rise and competitive strength in the Cup Series.
Development and Driver Achievements
The team has developed notable drivers such as Bubba Wallace, who achieved his first career win with 23XI Racing, and Tyler Reddick, who won the regular season championship in 2024. Riley Herbst and Corey Heim represent the team’s investment in emerging talent, contributing to its competitive depth and future potential.
