One Year Before Making $150 Million NASCAR Decision, Michael Jordan Turned Down Dale Earnhardt Jr

Michael Jordan is the proud owner of the NASCAR team, 23XI Racing. He partnered with NASCAR legend Denny Hamlin to make this dream come true.

However, before becoming a NASCAR team owner, MJ had a conversation with another legend, Dale Earnhardt Jr. During that time, he completely turned down the NASCAR driver.

Jordan and Hamlin formed 23XI Racing

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In 2020 Jordan and Hamlin decided to become partners, as they formed 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team. As per reports, it cost them around $150 million. They signed Bubba Wallace as their marquee driver. The team made its debut in the 2021 Daytona 500.

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Hamlin’s one text convinced Jordan to become an owner

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In an episode of Race: Bubba Wallace, Hamlin said, “I’ll never forget, I was on the ninth hole of my home golf course and I was like, ‘Should I send Michael this article? Let me get his temperature here’... And I sent it to him and he responded immediately, says ‘Haha, obviously fake news, not real, but if you want to make it real news let me know?'”

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Jordan once turned down Dale Jr

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Just 1 year before becoming the owner of 23XI Racing, Jordan was attending the Cup Series finale. During that time, Dale Jr interviewed him and asked, “Well, you are an NBA owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Have you ever thought about becoming a NASCAR owner?” In reply, MJ said, “No, I got a lot on my plate. I love being a fan. I still understand the sport but in terms of ownership…Nah! I think I’m just gonna sit back and watch and support from afar.”

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One Year Before Making $150 Million NASCAR Decision, Michael Jordan Turned Down Dale Earnhardt Jr

NASCAR

Jordan and Hamlin formed 23XI Racing

In 2020 Jordan and Hamlin decided to become partners, as they formed 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team. As per reports, it cost them around $150 million. They signed Bubba Wallace as their marquee driver. The team made its debut in the 2021 Daytona 500.

Hamlin’s one text convinced Jordan to become an owner

Subscribe to our 'NASCAR' NEWSLETTER now!

Jordan once turned down Dale Jr

Credit - Motorsports on NBC YouTube

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