When Kurt Busch, the veteran driver for 23XI Racing, snagged a victory at Kansas Speedway, he not only earned a trophy but also skillfully secured a unique piece of memorabilia—a signed Michael Jordan rookie card. A deal spawned from a creative spark and a signed entry blank evolved into a priceless exchange between a racing maestro and a basketball legend.

In the world of roaring engines and burning rubber, new teams often wrestle to compete with the titans of the tracks. But Jordan and Denny Hamlin, teaming up and aligning technically with Joe Gibbs Racing, made a powerhouse entry, signing the seasoned and highly decorated Kurt Busch to drive the No. 45 car in 2022. But what happens when you mix the thrill of the race with a dash of collector’s fever?

How Kurt Busch Planned His Heist

Kurt Busch crafted this ingenious ploy after spotting Michael Jordan’s signature, the iconic owner of 23XI Racing, above his while signing the entry blank for the Daytona 500. Inspired, he sought out a legit Michael Jordan rookie card. With the help of a Las Vegas card collector, Busch secured the Jordan rookie card. His pitch to MJ was simple and sassy: sign the card, and if the team celebrated a victory, the card would speed its way back to Busch. 

Upon acquiring it, Busch presented it to Michael Jordan with a proposal, “And then he unwraps it goes through it and he looks at me and goes, ‘Damn! You paid a pretty penny for this, didn’t you?’ And I go … I got you something else. Sharpie!” 

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“And I pulled out an autograph pen. But one of the blue, like, primary autograph pens. And I said, if you sign that, you keep it, you hold on to it. But when we win together, I get it back. And he goes, I’m going to get you a good one.” Kurt told Corey Lajoie on his latest podcast. 

Intrigued how this daring proposition unfolded? Accelerate further to unravel the clandestine deal behind the scenes!

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The deal was sealed, but what happened next? Did Busch win? Did MJ keep his word? 

The Unpredictable Journey of Kurt Busch and Michael Jordan

Well, after a roaring victory at Kansas Speedway on May 15, MJ graciously returned the card to Busch. While many might flaunt such a pricey collectible on a wall, Busch understands the soaring value of his acquisition. 

The signed Michael Jordan rookie card, surrounded by buzz and speculated to be worth around $1.25 million, is more than just a quirky piece of memorabilia. It’s a symbol of intertwined destinies, a basketball icon’s venture into motorsports, and a racecar driver’s fondness for basketball legends.

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This cheeky exchange between Busch and Jordan and the victory-infused rookie card now spins a web of stories—echoing the roar of the racecars and the swish of the basketball and leaving fans to wonder, What’s the next quirky chapter in this crossover tale?