Michael Jordan had been very clear with his expectations when he signed up to form 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace. Jordan’s winning mentality is no secret and Wallace knows he will be expected to get wins soon in the NASCAR Cup Series.

At the same time, Jordan also understands that the team is still raw in the sport and that win could take some time. The basketball icon is putting his weight behind his driver, and Wallace feels that extra motivation when Jordan texts him after a good run.

“After our good runs, I’m getting a text from MJ saying, ‘Good job kid.’ It’s stuff like that which is pretty cool,” Wallace said during a recent media interaction.

He also said that Jordan is well aware that the team is making steady progress, eight weeks into their maiden NASCAR season.

“He knows we’re not winning. But he knows we’re taking those steps and making progress. It’s not something you just jump right into and expect to win. You live in fairytale land if you expect that to happen,” Wallace expressed.

Bubba Wallace opens up Michael Jordan’s involvement in the team

Jordan understands the challenges of starting a new team at the highest level of any sport being a legendary sportsperson himself. But he also understands NASCAR quite well. Jordan has, time and again, spoken of his interest in NASCAR from a young age. Having Hamlin guide him through some of the intricacies of NASCAR certainly helps.

Wallace is happy to learn that he and the team are so far ‘exceeding expectations’ set by Hamlin and Jordan at this stage of the season.

“He understands motorsports a little different, he had a superbike team. You know, you can’t win every race. Having Denny as co-owner there is like managing expectations.

From talking to Denny, we’re kind of exceeding the expectations they had set in place before the season started,” Wallace continued.

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The goal to win in a tough sport

Does 23XI Racing expect to win soon, maybe this season itself?

“Absolutely. But we have to do a lot of work in the meantime to get to that level. This sport is tough,” is Wallace’s answer on the same. They certainly seem to be moving in the right direction.

After three 16th-place finishes in the last four races, it is now time to take the next step. Wallace, Hamlin, and the rest of the No. 23 team understands that and will aim to find that step soon enough if they are to eventually win this year.

READ MORE – Is Bubba Wallace Related to Former NASCAR Champion Rusty Wallace?