Talk Dat Talk | Your Black Celebrity Gossip, Culture News & Trending Tea

Tag: 23XI Racing

  • Michael Jordan’s Viral Moment with Denny Hamlin

    Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, is absolutely dominating the season, and it seems like every race brings a new win and a new viral moment for MJ himself! While his team’s success is fantastic news, one recent interaction on pit road has everyone talking – and it involves co-owner Denny Hamlin.

    A Dominant Start for 23XI Racing

    Tyler Reddick has been on fire, securing wins at Daytona, Atlanta, and Circuit of the Americas early in the season. He added another victory at Darlington and just clinched a fifth win this past Sunday at Kansas. Meanwhile, Bubba Wallace is also having a strong showing, currently tied for seventh in the standings after a solid fifth-place finish at Kansas. This success is drawing significant attention to the sport and, of course, to its most famous team owner.

    The Viral Pit Road Encounter

    The latest viral moment came after the Kansas race. Denny Hamlin, who co-owns 23XI Racing but drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, was in contention for the win. However, on the final restart, Kyle Larson bumped Hamlin out of the lead, allowing Reddick to swoop in and take the victory. As you can imagine, Hamlin was visibly frustrated by the outcome.

    In the aftermath on pit road, Michael Jordan approached Hamlin. In a clip that quickly spread across social media, Jordan placed his hand on Hamlin’s neck and gave him a kiss on the side of the head before walking away. Hamlin, clearly still processing the race’s disappointing finish, barely reacted, standing there looking visibly upset and not in a celebratory mood.

    Hamlin’s Championship Quest

    Losing a race in such a manner is undoubtedly tough for Hamlin, who is still chasing his first NASCAR Cup Series championship. Moments like these can feel like significant setbacks in that quest. The viral clip of Jordan’s interaction has sparked widespread discussion online, with many weighing in on the dynamics between the co-owners.

    Jordan Continues to Win

    Despite the buzz around the interaction with Hamlin, Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing are undeniably winning. With five victories in the first nine races of the season, they are a dominant force. Looking ahead to Talladega next week, there’s a strong possibility that Bubba Wallace could be the next driver to visit Victory Lane for the team.

    What are your thoughts on the viral moment between Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin? Do you think it was just friendly banter or a sign of Hamlin’s frustration? Share your take in the comments below!

  • Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Team Scores 4th Win

    Michael Jordan’s foray into NASCAR with his 23XI Racing team is proving to be a major success story! Driver Tyler Reddick just clinched the team’s fourth win of the season, marking a historic start and showcasing the team’s incredible performance on the track.

    Reddick Secures Fourth Victory at Darlington

    In a thrilling race at Darlington Raceway on March 22, 2026, Tyler Reddick crossed the finish line first, beating Brad Keselowski by a significant margin. This victory marks Reddick’s 12th career win and adds to an already impressive season for 23XI Racing. The team has been on a remarkable winning streak, especially following NASCAR’s antitrust lawsuit resolution.

    Reddick’s performance is particularly noteworthy. He’s now one of the few drivers in NASCAR Cup Series history to win four of the first six races in a season, joining the esteemed ranks of Hall of Famers Dale Earnhardt (1987) and Bill Elliott (1992). His resilience was tested during the race, facing car issues early on, including a battery problem that affected the cooling system.

    Overcoming Challenges, Earning the Win

    Despite the technical difficulties, Reddick’s mindset remained strong. “I know never to give up,” he stated after the race, reflecting on the challenges. “I think it’s very fitting that when we finally get our first win here at Darlington, that ‘The Lady in Black’ would test us like that. We’ve been so close so many times.”

    Michael Jordan himself expressed pride in Reddick’s ability to overcome adversity. “Pretty sure it’s frustrating for him because he had an unbelievable car, and I think the key to him winning was just keeping his head,” Jordan commented. “We just had to get the car right, and I think he did an unbelievable job… He earned it all week, and I’m real proud of the team.”

    A Dominant Season

    Reddick’s early-season success began with a win at the Daytona 500, making him the first driver in NASCAR history to win the season’s first three races. This dominant performance underscores the strength and strategic planning of the 23XI Racing team, co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The team’s consistent victories are a testament to their hard work and dedication.

    What do you think of 23XI Racing’s incredible performance this season? Are you surprised by their success? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

  • Michael Jordan Testifies in NASCAR Antitrust Trial

    Forget the basketball court for a moment; Michael Jordan is now stepping into the courtroom as a NASCAR team owner! The legendary athlete recently took the stand in a crucial antitrust trial, advocating for what he believes is fair treatment and economic stability for race teams within the sport. It’s a high-stakes battle, and MJ is making his voice heard.

    Jordan’s Passion for Motorsports

    Jordan, who co-owns the 23XI Racing team with Denny Hamlin, isn’t just a casual investor. He shared his lifelong passion for motorsports, dating back to childhood trips to Talladega Superspeedway. He emphasized that he never misses a race and attends up to a dozen events annually, showing his deep commitment to the sport beyond just business.

    His testimony focused on the breakdown of recent charter negotiations. Jordan explained that team owners have felt “browbeaten” for years while seeking structural changes, including permanent charters and better revenue terms. Unfortunately, he stated, these key priorities haven’t been addressed meaningfully by NASCAR.

    Fighting for Partnership and Stability

    Jordan made it clear he wasn’t afraid to take legal action. He testified that he’s invested a significant $35 to $40 million into 23XI Racing since its launch in 2020. This includes a substantial $28 million investment in a charter that has since expired because the team refused to accept an unacceptable deal.

    He specifically rejected provisions that would block antitrust challenges and a take-it-or-leave-it approach, arguing that such terms undermine teams’ ability to operate sustainably. Jordan’s ultimate goal? A business model where teams and NASCAR grow together, fostering a true partnership that enhances the value of the entire enterprise.

    A United Front for Team Owners

    It wasn’t just Jordan speaking out. He acknowledged that 23XI had discussions with other teams regarding the charter terms. The aim wasn’t personal gain, but to ensure all owners understood the lopsided economics at play. Following Jordan’s testimony, Race Team Association executive director Jonathan Marshall presented financial models highlighting how NASCAR teams lag behind franchises in major leagues like the NBA, NFL, MLB, and MLS.

    NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell and Joe Gibbs Racing co-owner Heather Gibbs also testified earlier in the trial, which began on December 1st and is expected to last for about three weeks. This legal challenge represents a significant moment for the future of team ownership and economic fairness in NASCAR.

    What do you think about Michael Jordan’s involvement in this NASCAR antitrust trial? Do you believe his fight for fair treatment will change the sport? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Lawsuit Heads to Court

    Looks like Michael Jordan’s foray into NASCAR is hitting a legal speed bump. After mediation efforts failed, an antitrust lawsuit filed by Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, along with Front Row Motorsports, is now heading to court. The teams are accusing NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France, of engaging in anticompetitive practices that hinder fair competition within the sport.

    A Dispute Over Charter Agreements

    The core of the dispute lies in NASCAR’s control over various aspects of the business. 23XI Racing, co-owned by Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins, were the only two out of 15 organizations that declined to sign extensions for new charter agreements after more than two years of negotiations. This refusal has led to their cars racing as ‘open’ teams this season, despite initially winning a preliminary injunction.

    Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney representing both teams, stated, “Today’s hearing confirmed the facts of NASCAR’s monopolistic practices and showed NASCAR for who they are—retaliatory bullies who would rather focus on personal attacks and distract from the facts.” He emphasized the teams’ commitment to ensuring a fair and competitive sport and their determination to hold NASCAR accountable in court.

    Allegations of Control and Retaliation

    The lawsuit raises several concerns, including NASCAR’s alleged control over racetrack ownership and the requirement for teams to purchase supplies from single-source suppliers designated by the organization. Furthermore, teams are reportedly restricted from participating in other stock car racing events. NASCAR, however, has accused 23XI and FRM of manipulating other teams and exhibiting ‘classic cartel behavior.’

    During the mediation sessions, led by U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell and former NBA executive Jeffrey Mishkin, Michael Jordan was reportedly seen laughing at some of NASCAR’s claims, while Hamlin and Jenkins vehemently disagreed with assertions that NASCAR pays its teams a higher percentage of revenue than Formula 1. The original charter agreements were set to expire at the end of 2024.

    What’s Next?

    With mediation unsuccessful, the legal battle is set to continue. Both sides are scheduled to be back in court on December 1st, exactly one month after the conclusion of the NASCAR season. This case could have significant implications for the future structure and competitive landscape of professional stock car racing.

    What are your thoughts on Michael Jordan’s lawsuit against NASCAR? Do you think the teams have a strong case? Share your opinions in the comments below!

  • Michael Jordan’s Fiery Texts in NASCAR Lawsuit

    A high-profile antitrust lawsuit filed by NASCAR teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against the stock-car racing giant has brought explosive details to light, including expletive-laden text messages from team owner Michael Jordan and other key figures. The exchanges reveal a deep rift and heated exchanges over the sport’s charter agreements, which function similarly to franchises in other major sports.

    Jordan’s Disparaging Texts Surface

    Michael Jordan, the NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, reportedly used disparaging language about Joe Gibbs Racing and the 13 other teams that signed NASCAR’s new charter agreements in September. In one text message to his business manager, Curtis Polk, Jordan wrote, “Teams are going to regret not joining us.” This message, along with others, was disclosed during an acrimonious court hearing on Thursday.

    The two teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, are the only ones that refused to sign extension agreements on the charters. They accuse NASCAR of monopolistic practices and bullying, stating they risk financial ruin if NASCAR sells their charters. The details revealed in discovery documents have added significant heat to the year-long dispute.

    Internal NASCAR Exchanges and Team Frustration

    The disclosed documents also included heated exchanges among NASCAR executives. Steve Phelps, the commissioner, expressed frustration over unproductive talks, noting that early charter proposals offered “zero wins for the teams.” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR’s president, also voiced dissatisfaction with earlier versions of the agreement, writing that charters “must reflect a middle position or we are dead in the water.”

    Team owner Bob Jenkins and co-owner Denny Hamlin of 23XI Racing also had their texts revealed. Hamlin expressed deep animosity towards the France family, NASCAR’s owners, writing, “my despise for the France family runs deep… (but) please let’s not sabotage our own business.” Jordan’s texts also touched on financial aspects, including discussions about charter prices and driver costs, with one exchange showing him agreeing to a costly driver signing, stating, “I have lost that in a casino. Lets do it.”

    The Charter System at Stake

    Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney representing 23XI and Front Row, argued that these internal exchanges and NASCAR’s contingency plans demonstrate monopolistic behavior. NASCAR maintains that the teams forfeited their charter rights by refusing to sign extensions. While the six cars initially competed as chartered teams, that status has since been overturned, and they are now considered “open” teams. This situation puts 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick’s contract, which includes a clause allowing him to leave if his car isn’t chartered, in jeopardy.

    U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell acknowledged the significance of the charter system being on the line and is expected to rule on the teams’ request to restore their chartered status before a trial scheduled for December 1. Jordan stated he is open to a settlement but prepared for a trial, warning that without their charters, 23XI and Front Row could go out of business by 2026. He emphasized his commitment to fighting for the “betterment of the sport.”

    What are your thoughts on Michael Jordan’s involvement in the NASCAR antitrust battle? Share your opinions in the comments below!