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AVONDALE, ARIZONA – NOVEMBER 08: NASCAR Executive Vice President Steve O’Donnell speaks to the media during the NASCAR annual State of the Sport address at Phoenix Raceway on November 08, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing opened the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season with strong results on the track and renewed attention around the sport. Tyler Reddick delivered wins in the Daytona 500 on February 15 and again the following week at Atlanta Motor Speedway, giving the team back-to-back victories to start the year.
The stretch placed 23XI Racing at the center of early-season coverage and pushed Jordan’s ownership role into focus across NASCAR. League executives also took note of the impact.
NASCAR’s Steve O’Donnell spoke about Michael Jordan’s involvement, the recent legal resolution between the sides, and how the early-season moments reflect the sport’s direction. His comments highlight both the competitive start and NASCAR’s effort to connect with fans through authentic stories.
Steve O’Donnell Reflects on the Courtroom Meeting and Jordan’s Commitment
Steve O’Donnell said his recent interaction with Jordan came during the legal process involving 23XI Racing and NASCAR. He described the moment and what followed after the case concluded.
“It’s been a little surreal. In mid-December, I found myself in a courtroom, face-to-face with Michael Jordan. At the end of the day, he loves the sport. Getting through that trial, I think we settled into a good place. His words to me right after were, ‘I’m all in, and let’s grow this thing together.’ That was awesome.”
The lawsuit was resolved before the season began, allowing the focus to shift back to competition. Soon after, Reddick’s Daytona 500 victory gave Jordan his first win in NASCAR’s biggest race as a team owner. Reddick followed that result with another win at Atlanta, becoming the first driver since Matt Kenseth in 2009 to win the opening two races of a Cup Series season.
NASCAR Points to Jordan’s Passion and Audience Reach
O’Donnell said Jordan’s presence remains visible at races and helps draw attention to NASCAR beyond its traditional fan base. He linked Jordan’s personal interest in racing to 23XI Racing’s early success.
“It’s surreal that he wins the Daytona 500 and then follows it up with back-to-back wins with Tyler Reddick. He’s always there. He’s passionate and has been a fan for life. He helps bring us to new audiences, and we want to be respectful of him and the fact that he’s a true fan. It’s really cool to see.”
Authentic Moments Seen as Key to NASCAR’s Direction
O’Donnell also pointed to the Daytona 500 as an example of the type of moment NASCAR wants to highlight moving forward. He said the interaction among owners from North Carolina reflected the sport’s roots.
“We’re getting back to the essence of who NASCAR is. I think we’ve chased fans a little instead of focusing on what truly excites people about the sport. I go back to the Daytona 500, where the first- and second-place car owners played together in North Carolina, Michael Jordan and Brad Daugherty in a huddle. That’s pretty cool.”
He added that sharing those scenes helps show the sport’s identity and future.
“By showcasing moments like that, it feels authentic. It shows who we are and where we’re going. That’s the part of the sport we want to embrace, bring people in, let them experience it, and we believe they’ll become fans.”
With two races complete in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, 23XI Racing holds early momentum while NASCAR leadership points to Jordan’s involvement and visible race-day presence as part of the sport’s broader push to connect with fans and highlight its core culture.
Dogli Wilberforce is a sports writer who covers NASCAR, Formula 1 and IndyCar Series for Heavy Sports. With bylines at Total Apex Sports and Last Word on Sports, Wilberforce has built a reputation for delivering timely, engaging coverage that blends sharp analysis with accessible storytelling. Wilberforce has covered everything from major football transfers to fight-night drama, bringing readers the insight and context behind the headlines. More about Dogli Wilberforce
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