Could the powerful duo of NBA legend Michael Jordan and legendary Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, the co-founders of 23XI Racing, have managed to surpass the NASCAR heavyweight, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR)? This question has been burning in the minds of followers of the sport as 23XI Racing continues to rise in prominence, challenging JGR’s long-standing dominance.
Since its inception in 1992, JGR has remained a fixture in the world of NASCAR, boasting five Cup Series championships and a roster of renowned drivers including Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch, and Bobby Labonte. The team’s legacy, performance, and star power are the very definition of dominance in NASCAR.
However, in 2021, a formidable challenger emerged in the form of 23XI Racing, a venture born of the collaboration between Michael Jordan and JGR’s star driver Denny Hamlin. The team quickly made waves by recruiting high-profile drivers Kurt Busch and Bubba Wallace. By 2024, they had established themselves as a major player in the sport, prompting many to wonder if they had managed to surpass JGR’s prowess in the NASCAR hierarchy.
Charlotte Observer’s NASCAR reporter, Shane Connuck, recently ignited this discussion through an Instagram post, noting the impressive strides made by 23XI Racing. Connuck pointed out that the team’s drivers, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, have been outperforming the Gibbs cars, leading to a shift in the NASCAR landscape.
The rise of 23XI Racing has been meteoric. In 2022, they expanded to a two-car team, with Kurt Busch securing a win at Kansas Speedway. The following year, Tyler Reddick replaced Busch and made it to the Round of 8 in the playoffs. In 2025, they added a third car to their lineup, solidifying their position as a force to be reckoned with.
Throughout this period of change and growth for 23XI Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing has faced its own set of challenges. Despite continued success, they witnessed the inconsistent performance of their driver Kyle Busch and his subsequent move to Richard Childress Racing. Nonetheless, JGR managed to stay competitive, with Martin Truex Jr. securing multiple wins and Ty Gibbs earning the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award.
In 2024, 23XI Racing’s strategic hiring of Xfinity star Tyler Reddick proved to be a game-changer. Reddick’s impressive performance, coupled with the team’s effective use of simulation data, has positioned them for a potential championship run.
The dynamic between 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing is not merely one of rivalry. The two teams also have a technical alliance, established in 2021, which has played a significant role in 23XI’s rapid ascent. The partnership involves Toyota Racing Development providing engines and technical support to 23XI while JGR supplies chassis and other services.
This cooperative relationship has been beneficial for both parties, allowing for a flow of knowledge and resources that can enhance each team’s performance. Denny Hamlin’s dual role as a driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and co-owner of 23XI Racing adds an intriguing layer to this partnership.
This trend of technical alliances in NASCAR is becoming increasingly common, as exemplified by partnerships like the one between Front Row Motorsports and Team Penske, and Hendrick Motorsports’ alliance with Spire Motorsports. These alliances enable smaller teams to better compete against larger, more established teams.
As the 2025 season progresses, it remains to be seen whether 23XI Racing can surpass Joe Gibbs Racing in overall performance and championship contention. Regardless, the relationship between the two teams, combining competition with cooperation, illustrates the strategic complexity of NASCAR. Their technical alliance is a testament to the collaborative nature of the sport and will continue to be a crucial factor in 23XI Racing’s ongoing success.
