Michael Jordan Stunned as His NASCAR Driver Wrecks the Car

Michael Jordan could only look on in shock after an unusual pit-lane incident wrecked one of his 23XI Racing cars ahead of the NASCAR season finale.

The basketball icon was at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Friday for practice, with the final race of the season scheduled for Sunday.

None of Jordan’s drivers — Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace or Riley Herbst — remain in championship contention. Kyle Larson is heavily favored to claim the title, with Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell also still in the mix.

Reddick and Wallace both qualified for the playoffs, although Reddick was unable to turn his postseason opportunity into a serious title challenge. That came despite an impassioned speech from Jordan during a visit to the team’s Mooresville, North Carolina, headquarters before the playoffs began.

Jordan’s enthusiasm for NASCAR remains clear, however, and he was back at the circuit to watch 23XI Racing compete in the final event before the offseason.

The day ended painfully when Reddick crashed while entering pit road at the conclusion of practice.

Tyler Reddick crashed while entering pit road at the end of practice at Homestead-Miami Speedway

Michael Jordan watched in disbelief from the pit box as the bizarre crash destroyed the car

Reddick struck the back of the slowing Zane Smith, spun around and caused substantial damage to the front end of his No. 45 Toyota Camry.

Video footage captured Jordan’s stunned reaction as he stood in the pit box with his mouth open and one arm raised in confusion.

Jordan later told reporters that he had been enjoying practice because Reddick appeared to have the best car he had ever seen at the track — until the session “ended really bad.” Jordan had also celebrated with Reddick after the driver won a dramatic playoff race at Homestead-Miami in October 2024.

Reddick said he and Smith had planned to enter pit road together, explaining that both drivers were aware they were moving down the track at the same time.

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“It’s practice, so you don’t get a speeding penalty. You’re being aggressive and trying to get to the line,” Reddick said.

“It looked like Todd (Gilliland) and some of the cars ahead of him were turning into the garage. By the time I committed to braking, I couldn’t see that happening.

“The 38 car had covered it up, so I thought I was clear. Then, at the very last second, when the choice was either hitting him or hitting the barrels, I saw the cars turning into the garage in front of us.

“I tried to lock it down and avoid making heavy contact, but we tore the car up badly. The entire nose is damaged. It’s a bummer because it was the best car I’ve ever had here.”

Reddick’s car spun as he tried to avoid Smith and the inside wall

Reddick celebrated a dramatic late victory with Jordan at Homestead-Miami in 2024

Reddick’s crew now faces a race against time to repair the car before Saturday’s qualifying session, ahead of Sunday’s season finale.

He currently sits sixth in the Cup Series standings after a remarkable start to the campaign that saw him win the opening three races, including the Daytona 500.

Before the Chase began in August, Reddick spoke to the Daily Mail about Jordan’s visit to Airspeed headquarters. The 10-race postseason determines the champion from the top 16 drivers in the standings.

“When he came in to address the company, he was just a great speaker,” Reddick said.

“He knows how to make his point, how to energize people and how to make what he is saying relatable. He’s an incredible leader and a great speaker. It meant a lot to us that he made time to visit and talk to the team. Anytime he makes time for us, it goes a long way.

“Whenever I get to spend time with Michael, it has a major impact on me. I really love it when he comes to 23XI and Airspeed because I get to see the effect he has on the men and women who work here.”