MJ’s Master Plan: 5 Shocking New Updates On Michael Jordan & Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing Team
The world of NASCAR is buzzing with unprecedented change, and at the center of the storm is 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Cup Series star Denny Hamlin. As of December 22, 2025, the organization is navigating its most transformative period since its 2021 debut, marked by a landmark legal settlement and a significant expansion of its driver roster.
The team, pronounced "twenty-three eleven," has rapidly gone from an ambitious startup to a formidable force in the Cup Series, challenging established giants and injecting a new level of star power and diversity into the sport. The latest updates for the 2025 season confirm Jordan and Hamlin’s commitment to long-term stability and competitive growth, cementing 23XI Racing as one of the most exciting organizations to watch.
The Architects of 23XI Racing: Michael Jordan & Denny Hamlin Profile
23XI Racing was officially launched in the fall of 2020, combining the legendary status of a basketball icon with the deep, technical knowledge of a top-tier NASCAR driver. The team name itself is a tribute to its founders, combining Jordan's iconic No. 23 jersey number with Hamlin's No. 11 car number.
Michael Jordan – Co-Owner & Principal
- Role: Principal Owner, injecting a global, championship-winning mentality into the organization.
- NASCAR History: First Black principal owner of a full-time Cup Series team since Wendell Scott in 1973.
- Vision: Focused on building a long-term, winning program and promoting diversity within the sport.
- Other Ventures: Majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets (until 2023), brand partnerships with Nike/Jordan Brand.
Denny Hamlin – Co-Owner & Active Driver
- Role: Co-Owner and Active Cup Series Driver (No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing).
- Expertise: Provides crucial, up-to-the-minute technical and operational insight from a driver’s perspective.
- NASCAR History: Three-time Daytona 500 winner, a consistent championship contender.
- Commitment: Splits his time between driving for JGR and overseeing the day-to-day competitive and business operations of 23XI Racing.
5 Major Updates That Define 23XI Racing’s 2025 Season
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is poised to be a pivotal year for 23XI Racing. Following a season of competitive highs and organizational challenges, the team has made strategic moves that promise both stability and aggressive expansion.
1. Landmark Settlement Ends Charter Antitrust Lawsuit
The biggest news impacting 23XI Racing’s long-term future is the resolution of the federal antitrust lawsuit filed against NASCAR. Co-owned by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, the suit sought damages and aimed to address the long-term stability and value of NASCAR’s Charter system.
In December 2025, a settlement was reached on the ninth day of the trial, delivering a mutually agreed-upon resolution. This agreement creates long-term stability for the teams and will lead to NASCAR issuing an updated charter agreement to all organizations. Michael Jordan stated that the lawsuit "was about progress," highlighting the team's commitment to improving the business model for all teams in the sport.
2. Expansion to a Three-Car Team for the 2025 Season
For the first time in its history, 23XI Racing has expanded to a three-car operation for the 2025 Cup Series season, signaling a massive commitment to growth and competitive depth. The team will field three full-time Toyota entries, a significant undertaking that places them among NASCAR's larger, established organizations.
The driver lineup for the 2025 season includes:
- No. 23 Toyota: Bubba Wallace
- No. 45 Toyota: Tyler Reddick
- Third Car (Rookie): Riley Herbst
3. Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick’s Performance Outlook
The core of 23XI's competitive efforts rests on its established drivers, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Since its debut in 2021, the team has secured nine victories across its two cars, demonstrating its race-winning potential. While the early part of the 2025 season saw a competitive dip with all three drivers being winless, both Wallace and Reddick have shown flashes of raw speed and potential.
Reddick, in particular, was the 2024 Regular Season Champion (a title that carries significant momentum into the new season) and consistently finished well in the latter part of 2025, driving the No. 45 car toward a better performance trajectory. Wallace has also shown increased speed, and the team is focused on converting that pace into consistent top-five finishes and playoff berths for the entire organization.
4. Introduction of Rookie Riley Herbst and Development Driver Corey Heim
The addition of Riley Herbst to the Cup Series lineup for 2025 is a major move, bringing a fresh perspective and a new challenge to the team. Herbst's promotion is a testament to 23XI's commitment to nurturing new talent.
Furthermore, development driver Corey Heim will continue to be a key part of the organization. Heim is slated to pilot Robinhood-branded cars in select NASCAR Cup Series events during the 2025 season, providing him with valuable experience at the highest level and showcasing 23XI’s commitment to its driver pipeline.
5. Key Corporate Partnerships and Topical Authority
23XI Racing has successfully leveraged Michael Jordan's global brand appeal to attract high-profile, non-traditional NASCAR sponsors. The team’s founding partners include major entities like DoorDash, McDonald's, Columbia Sportswear, Dr Pepper, and Root Insurance.
The new partnership with Robinhood for select 2025 races underscores the team's ability to attract modern, tech-focused brands. This diverse and powerful sponsorship portfolio—combined with its technical alliance with Toyota Racing Development (TRD) and its base at the state-of-the-art "Airspeed" facility—provides 23XI Racing with the resources needed to compete against powerhouse teams like Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports.
The Future of 23XI Racing and NASCAR
Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s venture is not just about winning races; it’s about changing the landscape of NASCAR. By successfully challenging the status quo through the charter lawsuit and expanding their competitive footprint, 23XI Racing is forcing the entire sport to evolve. The stability gained from the settlement, combined with the competitive expansion to a three-car team, sets the stage for 23XI Racing to become a perennial championship contender. Their success with drivers like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick continues to prove that star power, business acumen, and a forward-thinking approach can disrupt the traditional order of American motorsports.
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