Bob Pockrass
FOX NASCAR Insider
Tyler Reddick openly admits that the first encounter he had with the basketball legend Michael Jordan was filled with palpable nerves.
Although Reddick feels completely at ease racing a car at blistering speeds of 200 miles per hour, the thought of meeting one of the most iconic athletes in history, who also co-owns the 23XI Racing team, left him feeling anxious and excited.
“The first time I met Michael, I was incredibly nervous, honestly,” Reddick recalled, reflecting on the experience. “You’re meeting one of the greatest to ever do it, and I remember feeling that pressure and trying hard not to say anything foolish or embarrassing.”
Reddick’s experience in high-pressure situations on the racetrack has likely taught him that actions often resonate more than words, particularly in the competitive landscape of racing where triumph can speak volumes.
This Sunday, the 28-year-old Reddick will compete for the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series title at Phoenix Raceway, where he will face off against formidable contenders like defending champion Ryan Blaney, two-time champion Joey Logano, and rising star William Byron. The championship will go to the highest-finishing driver among this elite group.
Notably, this marks Reddick’s inaugural appearance among the four championship contenders in the Cup Series, despite having previously clinched two Xfinity Series titles under similar circumstances. Additionally, this will be the first time 23XI Racing, co-founded by Jordan and Denny Hamlin, reaches this pinnacle in its four-year history.
“As I’ve become more familiar with Michael, spending quality time together, it’s been rewarding to learn about his passion for racing,” Reddick shared, elaborating on his evolving relationship with the basketball icon. “From our first conversation, it was clear how deeply he cares about this sport, and I’ve witnessed his enthusiasm firsthand over the past two years.”
Jordan joins Reddick’s pit crew during races, often positioning himself directly behind crew chief Billy Scott, who has now become accustomed to Jordan’s presence and insights. This partnership has led to fruitful collaboration and support during high-stakes races.
After Reddick’s impressive victory two weeks ago, Jordan didn’t hesitate to commend Scott’s strategic decisions that contributed to the win.
For Scott, who is also making his playoff debut as a crew chief, receiving praise from Jordan came as a surprise he had not anticipated.
“It’s kind of surreal,” Scott expressed, reflecting on the moment. “I believe it will take a while for it to really sink in, but it’s remarkable how much insight he possesses about the sport; he understands the intricacies of racing remarkably well.”
“His opinion carries a lot of weight because he is as knowledgeable as any dedicated fan or owner, and when he shares his compliments, they are well-deserved.”
Tyler Reddick will carry the banner for dirt late model racers as he races for the Cup title
In exchange, Jordan actively contributes to team strategy discussions, as illustrated when he participated in a crucial competition meeting last year, providing candid feedback.
“At the end, he voiced his opinions on what he heard — and he wasn’t pleased,” Hamlin disclosed. “His remarks about what championship caliber teams should sound like and how we needed to improve communication truly marked a turning point for our team and drivers.”
“It was a defining moment for us as we emphasized the importance of accountability and identifying how each individual could improve to elevate overall performance.”
If Reddick clinches the championship, he will navigate this journey not only as a rookie in the title race but also through the heightened excitement surrounding Jordan’s involvement, especially given the ongoing litigation that 23XI Racing currently faces against NASCAR on antitrust grounds.
Speaking outside the courtroom on Monday, Jordan conveyed his optimism, stating that his team would remain focused despite the legal challenges.
“The race team is going to concentrate on what needs to be accomplished this weekend, and I’m confident they will. … I’m eagerly anticipating winning a championship this weekend,” Jordan added affirmatively.
In his own mindset, Reddick expressed confidence in handling the external noise during his inaugural attempt at the Champ 4. He believes that his past experiences in the Xfinity Series will aid him in maintaining focus.
“It doesn’t affect me,” Reddick remarked regarding the dynamic at 23XI Racing. “I can’t really explain why, but I’m concentrating solely on what I can control—my race car, my team, and our preparation and mindset heading into the weekend.”
“The rest can be dealt with later.”
Should he succeed in capturing the championship, Reddick can anticipate another celebratory bear hug from Jordan, reminiscent of the one he received after his recent victory at Homestead. On that momentous day, Jordan affectionately referred to Reddick as “a little kid.”
Reddick noted that while he’s 28, he finds it amusing to be called that by Jordan.
“[He] can call me whatever he likes as long as we keep producing race-winning cars and continue to fight hard like we have this season,” Reddick stated with a grin. “Ultimately, I’d prefer Michael referring to me as a little kid over him saying nothing at all.”
“I’m more than okay with it.”
Bob Pockrass covers NASCAR for FOX Sports. He has spent decades covering motorsports, including over 30 Daytona 500s, with stints at ESPN, Sporting News, NASCAR Scene magazine, and The (Daytona Beach) News-Journal. Follow him on Twitter @bobpockrass.
**Interview with Tyler Reddick: Racing, Nerves, and the Influence of Michael Jordan**
**Interviewer:** Tyler, it’s exciting to see you in the Championship 4 this weekend at Phoenix! Can you take us back to that first moment you met Michael Jordan? How did it feel?
**Tyler Reddick:** Honestly, I was incredibly nervous. I mean, here I was meeting one of the greatest athletes in history! It’s one thing to race at high speeds, but meeting someone like Michael? The pressure was real, and I just wanted to make a good impression and not say anything foolish.
**Interviewer:** You’ve had a lot of high-pressure moments on the track. How do you balance that with the nerves of meeting a legend?
**Tyler Reddick:** Well, my experience on the track has definitely helped. In racing, what you do speaks louder than what you say. I may have been nervous initially, but I always focus on my driving and the race itself. At the end of the day, I know my performance will be what truly matters.
**Interviewer:** You’ve developed a relationship with Michael over the past two years. How has that changed your perspective on racing?
**Tyler Reddick:** Getting to know Michael has been rewarding. He’s genuinely passionate about racing, and his enthusiasm has been contagious. Our conversations have given me insights into his views on the sport. He’s not just a co-owner; he’s very involved and brings a different perspective to our team.
**Interviewer:** With this being your first appearance in the Championship 4 and 23XI Racing’s debut at this level, does that add extra pressure?
**Tyler Reddick:** There’s definitely excitement to be in this position, but I’m not letting it overwhelm me. My experiences in the Xfinity Series have prepared me for this moment. I’m focusing on what I can control: my race strategy and how I handle the car.
**Interviewer:** Michael has been known to join your pit crew during races. What does his presence mean to you and the team?
**Tyler Reddick:** It’s fantastic! Having someone like Michael behind us boosts our confidence. He contributes valuable insights during races and has built a great rapport with crew chief Billy Scott. His support has been a game changer, especially after our recent win.
**Interviewer:** with the ongoing legal matters surrounding 23XI Racing, how do you and the team stay focused on racing?
**Tyler Reddick:** We’re committed to concentrating on the race. Legal challenges will be there, but for us, it’s all about executing our plan on the track. I believe if we focus on racing, the rest will take care of itself.
**Interviewer:** Best of luck this weekend, Tyler!
**Tyler Reddick:** Thanks! I appreciate it. Looking forward to a great race!
