Michael Jordan, the legendary basketball icon, is not only known for his extraordinary skills on the court but also for his ventures outside of basketball, one of which is his ownership of a NASCAR team. As the principal owner of 23XI Racing, a team he co-founded with basketball superstar Denny Hamlin in 2020, Jordan has extended his competitive nature and leadership into the world of motorsports. One of the drivers representing 23XI Racing is Bubba Wallace, who has worked closely with Jordan, offering a unique perspective on what it’s like to be part of a NASCAR team under the guidance of the greatest basketball player of all time. Wallace has shared insights into Jordan’s leadership style, his involvement in the team, and how his basketball mentality has shaped his approach to running a NASCAR operation.
### A Highly Competitive Spirit
Bubba Wallace has frequently commented on Michael Jordan’s intense competitiveness, which is a defining characteristic of the NBA legend. Just as Jordan was known for his desire to win and his relentless pursuit of perfection on the basketball court, he carries that same mentality into NASCAR. According to Wallace, Jordan is incredibly passionate about racing and takes great pride in his team’s performance. His approach is similar to how he was in basketball—always aiming for excellence and pushing everyone around him to be their best. Wallace has said that Jordan’s competitiveness often rubs off on him, as they both share a common desire to improve and succeed.
What sets Jordan apart from other team owners, according to Wallace, is that he doesn’t just sit back and observe; he’s deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the team. He’s a hands-on owner who doesn’t hesitate to offer input and guidance to his drivers and crew. For Wallace, Jordan’s constant drive for improvement, as well as his willingness to engage in the process, creates an environment where the team feels motivated to elevate their performance.
### An Eye for Detail
As a boss, Michael Jordan is known for his attention to detail, which is another quality that Wallace admires. This trait was vital to Jordan’s success in basketball, where every move, every decision, and every game mattered. In NASCAR, the margin for error is similarly thin, and Jordan’s eye for detail has translated into an expectation of perfection from his team. Wallace has mentioned that Jordan’s leadership is based on being hands-on and ensuring that everything is in place for the team to succeed, whether it’s the car setup, the strategy for race day, or even the personal development of the drivers.
This obsessive focus on the finer details is something Wallace respects. He explained that Jordan’s standards are high, which can be both motivating and challenging. But it’s also something that Wallace appreciates because it pushes him to work harder and to refine his skills as a driver. In a sport like NASCAR, where precision can make all the difference, having an owner who understands the importance of every small aspect is a huge advantage.
### Building a Strong Team Culture
While Michael Jordan is known for his individual greatness in basketball, he has also learned the importance of teamwork. As an owner of 23XI Racing, he emphasizes the significance of creating a strong, cohesive team environment. Wallace has stated that Jordan fosters an atmosphere where every member of the team, from the crew to the drivers, feels valued and encouraged. This sense of inclusivity and collaboration is something Wallace feels deeply, as it mirrors Jordan’s approach to basketball, where even though he was often the star player, he understood the importance of teamwork and surrounding himself with the right people.
Jordan’s ability to build a winning team doesn’t just rely on the drivers’ abilities; it extends to creating a strong, unified group of individuals who can work together seamlessly. Wallace notes that Jordan’s leadership in this regard is particularly evident in the way he handles the team’s success and failures. He is not one to place blame but instead looks for ways to improve the team’s overall performance, which helps create a positive and supportive culture.
### A Different Type of Ownership
While many team owners remain largely behind the scenes, Michael Jordan has shown a different approach. He is a vocal and visible figurehead for 23XI Racing, often attending races and staying actively involved in the process. This visibility has made a significant impact on the team and has boosted morale. Wallace believes Jordan’s involvement gives the team a sense of purpose and motivation, knowing that the legendary athlete is watching and supporting them. For Wallace, racing for a team owned by Michael Jordan adds an extra layer of pride and pressure, as there is an unspoken expectation to perform at a high level.
Jordan’s unique position as both a basketball legend and a NASCAR team owner has also brought a different level of attention to 23XI Racing. Wallace believes that Jordan’s celebrity status has helped elevate the team’s profile in the sport and attract fans who might not have followed NASCAR otherwise. This is an advantage that many other teams don’t have, and Wallace recognizes the opportunity that comes with driving for such a high-profile owner.
### Lessons in Leadership
Through his experiences with Jordan, Wallace has learned several important lessons in leadership. Jordan’s drive to win, his attention to detail, and his ability to build strong teams are qualities that Wallace has tried to emulate in his own career. He credits Jordan with showing him the importance of consistency, mental toughness, and focusing on the long-term process, rather than getting discouraged by short-term setbacks.
One of the most important lessons Wallace has learned from Jordan is how to handle pressure. Just as Jordan was known for his ability to perform under pressure in clutch situations, Wallace has learned to take a similar approach in the high-stress world of NASCAR racing. The ability to stay calm, focused, and confident, even in difficult situations, is a skill that Jordan has modeled throughout his life, and it is something that Wallace strives to incorporate into his own racing career.
### Conclusion
Michael Jordan’s role as a NASCAR team owner is a reflection of his competitive nature and leadership abilities that made him a legend in basketball. Through his ownership of 23XI Racing, Jordan has brought the same drive for excellence, attention to detail, and team-building skills that defined his NBA career into the world of motorsports. Bubba Wallace’s experience as a driver under Jordan’s leadership has highlighted how Jordan’s involvement goes beyond that of a traditional team owner. His passion, hands-on approach, and focus on creating a winning team culture make him a powerful force in NASCAR. For Wallace, racing for Michael Jordan has been both an honor and a challenge, as he is constantly pushed to perform at his best while benefiting from Jordan’s wisdom and leadership.