Billionaire NBA legend Michael Jordan and his greatness transcend sports. The six-time NBA champion can be an imposing figure for anyone, no matter which sports they have excelled in. Recently, former 23XI driver, Kurt Busch sat down with Laurence Holmes of NBC sports and talked in length about his experience of driving for one of the GOATS. Despite not having the best of ends to his time with Jordan’s NASCAR team, Busch has a lot of respect for His Airness.

When asked about his experience, the 2004 NASCAR champion described the aura Jordan omitted. Moreover, he also revealed the very first words the Chicago Bulls legend had for his new driver.

Former NASCAR driver gets candid about meeting Michael Jordan

23XI racing has quickly turned into a fan-favorite team in NASCAR. After all, it is owned by two sporting icons, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Unlike many other team owners, MJ likes to get involved in the workings and he likes to personally approach his drivers.

Recently Kurt Busch perfectly summarized what it is like to meet Jordan. “You can feel the GOAT’s presence when you just land in the city and then to race for MJ, it is an incredible honor”, said Busch during the interview on NBC sports. The host then further questioned Busch about the very first time he met His Airness.

He replied, “I got to meet him a couple of summers ago during an interview. A flat-out job interview! There he is sitting in a boardroom by himself and when he stands up, its like whoa! Bigger than life, right.”

MJ then had a talk with his driver and the NBA icon’s speech immediately motivated Busch. He further said, “And he puts his hands down on the table like we will win. I’m like, ‘yes sir we are on it.'” 

READ MORE: “What’s He Going to Do? Kick Me off the Race Team?” – Bubba Wallace on Michael Jordan Ban Rumors

Despite having some great moments with the team, Busch’s career didn’t have the expected end. He retired in 2022 due to lingering concussion effects after an unfortunate crash. This is not the only setback in his career. Kurt Busch was once replaced by Bubba Wallace but the former NASCAR series champion did not take it negatively.

Jordan replaced a veteran with young blood

Bubba Wallace, who received a recruitment call from MJ personally, has been the face of 23XI racing for quite some time. When Kurt Busch joined the team, he drove the number 45 car while Wallace drove the number 23.

A couple of superb race finishes and a setback for Busch gave Wallace the perfect opportunity. He took on Busch’s car number and drove the number 45 for the rest of the 2022 NASCAR season. Midway through the season in July, Busch sustained a concussion during a qualifying lap.

Eventually, the former champion had to retire and was replaced by Ty Gibbs. Despite all the setbacks, Busch was very professional about the working of things and never seemed to complain about anything.

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