Michael Jordan delivered a clear message after 23XI Racing opened the NASCAR Cup Series season with back-to-back victories.
Tyler Reddick continued the team’s Daytona 500 triumph by taking the checkered flag at Atlanta Motor Speedway, putting 23XI Racing firmly in the early championship discussions.
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Jordan was on pit road for the final laps, watching his two cars in the mix.
Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Jordan reacts as 23XI Racing completes historic start
Reddick’s victory marked the first time since 2009 that a team opened the season by winning both the Daytona 500 and the following race.
Despite spending much of the race outside the top 10, Reddick surged in the final laps to seal the victory. During the broadcastJordan praised effusively.
“Well, it’s fun being a part of the 23XI. Obviously I’m a part of it too, but the guys are doing really well. They’re fighting hard, trying to give us another win. We’ve got two more chances right now, so let’s see what happens.”
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“I have no idea. Last time I looked, he was 18th or 20th. I was thinking, okay, let’s just finish the race; a DNF is what we don’t want. Then here he is, fighting forward. He’s really pushing this car, but he’s up there now.”
“He can help Bubba if needed, and he might even win himself. So let’s see what happens. Hopefully he can pull it off.”
Reddick overcomes damage to secure Atlanta victory
After Reddick held off the field to secure the victory, Jordan remained on pit road despite the cold.
“Yeah, I’m so excited I don’t even feel the cold right now. If I’m going to stay here, I might as well go ahead and win. I’m here. I’m not leaving.”
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Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota was damaged on contact with Wallace on the first restart in overtime, exposing the right front tire. But he kept his cool until the final pass under the green flag to maintain the lead.
Chase Briscoe closed in down the stretch, but Reddick held on to the advantage to secure the victory. This result strengthened 23XI Racing’s first position in the championship after two races.
Jordan co-founded 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin, and the team has continued to grow since entering the series. Their fast start to 2026 puts them at the top of the standings after just two races.
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