Corey Heim, a rising star in NASCAR, has publicly pushed back against the notion that Michael Jordan is aloof and arrogant, describing the basketball legend as down‑to‑earth and genuinely supportive.
Jordan’s involvement in the sport has been anything but straightforward. In 2023 he declined to sign the charter agreement that most teams accepted, a decision that sparked a high‑profile lawsuit with NASCAR and forced the series to confront its governance structure.
The legal dispute culminated in a settlement that granted every team a permanent charter and a larger slice of the sport’s media revenue, a result that has reverberated across the paddock and secured financial stability for all owners.
Inside 23XI Racing
Heim is slated to join 23XI Racing full‑time in 2027, taking over the No. 35 Toyota previously fielded by Riley Herbst. Having observed the team’s inner workings from part‑time starts, Heim says the experience has given him a front‑row seat to Jordan’s leadership style.
Bubba Wallace, another driver under the 23XI banner, notes that Jordan focuses heavily on the mental side of competition, even creating a dedicated film room for the pit crew to dissect performance. Tyler Reddick adds that Jordan uses calculated trash talk on superspeedways to push drivers beyond their limits.
Denny Hamlin recalls a meeting where Jordan referenced his own personal losses to challenge the entire roster, underscoring a hands‑on approach that blends inspiration with accountability.
Team members across the organization consistently describe Jordan as someone who shows up, pays attention, and understands the importance of pushing people to their limits. Kevin Harvick, a veteran competitor, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that Jordan’s presence elevates the entire garage.