HOUSTON – In a thrilling turn of events, Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Team emerged victorious at NASCAR’s GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Tyler Reddick’s swift maneuvering past the spun-out Michael McDowell car secured the checkered flag, marking the team’s sixth first-place win under the leadership of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
Well, Denny [Hamlin, co-owner] keeps saying I was bad luck when I come to the track,” a thrilled Michael Jordan told Fox Sports’ Jamie Little. “And today, we proved them wrong. I mean, black, actually, he did a good job by wrecking so we can get up front. That was actually pretty good. But, you know, I think Tyler [Reddick] did a good job. Unfortunately, Bubba couldn’t finish, but, you know, the team whole team did a good job. And, look, I’m very I’m very happy to be here to see it. I always, you know, everybody tells me when we win, we can have a good celebration, but this is the first time I’ve been here.”
It’s the first time he’s been at the track for a @23XIRacing win.
Michael Jordan talks with @JamieLittleTV from Victory Lane at Talladega!@Jumpman23 | @TylerReddick pic.twitter.com/P0skwWY0bp
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) April 21, 2024
After winning the race, Jordan lifted Reddick’s son in the air and high-fived him as he exclaimed, “How about that!”
Reddick, 28, became a part of the 23XI Racing family on Oct. 15, 2022, stepping in to fill the shoes of Kurt Busch after they bought out his contract with RCR. Last season, he showcased his prowess by clinching victories at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix and the 2023 Hollywood Casino 400 in 36 races.
What an insane finish. Tyler Reddick avoids the big one and gets his first win of the season and first career win at Talladega. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/CeYyUHwZPR
— Gabe McDonald (@GabeMcDonald_) April 21, 2024
“It replaces a lot of competitiveness that I had in basketball, but this is even worse because I have no control. If I was playing basketball, I have total control, but I have no control. So I live vicariously through the drivers and all the, you know, crew chiefs and everybody,” Jordan concluded.
