Has Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Quietly Overtaken Joe Gibbs Racing in NASCAR’s Power Rankings?
In NASCAR, dominance is measured by legacy, performance, and star power—and for decades, Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has embodied all three. Since its founding in 1992, the team has built an empire, winning its first Cup Series championship in 2000 with Bobby Labonte and adding four more titles with drivers like Tony Stewart and Kyle Busch. JGR’s dominance was seemingly unmatched—until a new powerhouse emerged from within their own ranks.
In 2021, NBA icon Michael Jordan joined forces with JGR legend Denny Hamlin to create 23XI Racing. With Jordan’s global influence and Hamlin’s deep NASCAR expertise, the team made an instant impact, signing Kurt Busch and Bubba Wallace. By 2024, 23XI had grown into a serious contender—but now, a bigger question looms.
Has 23XI Racing already surpassed Joe Gibbs Racing in the NASCAR hierarchy?
23XI Racing’s Meteoric Rise—The Team That’s Shaking Up NASCAR
During a recent discussion, Charlotte Observer NASCAR reporter Shane Connuck highlighted just how quickly 23XI Racing has ascended the ranks.
“Something I think is interesting right now is how strong 23XI has been itself. That team has just been making strides,” Connuck said. He added, “Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace are really competing almost better than the Gibbs cars… and when you look at the top Toyota team in the sport right now…”
This statement captures the seismic shift unfolding in NASCAR. For years, JGR was the undisputed king of the Toyota camp, but 23XI Racing’s arrival in 2021 began reshaping the landscape. By 2025, the discussion had shifted from “Can they catch JGR?” to “Have they already passed them?”
Denny Hamlin’s Vision—From Driver to Team Owner
Back in December 2021, Denny Hamlin made a bold statement about his new role.
“My passion for work is still really, really high, and I knew that I wanted to run a business. I didn’t know what that business would be—it turns out it’s team ownership,” Hamlin said. “Hopefully, I make the right decisions in the long term to make it all work out.”
His first major move came in 2022, when 23XI expanded to a two-car team, signing Kurt Busch to join Bubba Wallace. The gamble paid off quickly—Busch secured a win at Kansas Speedway, marking a milestone for the young team. However, Wallace struggled with consistency, finishing 24th in the standings.
Meanwhile, JGR remained dominant, despite Kyle Busch’s inconsistent form. When Busch left for Richard Childress Racing, JGR still had Hamlin and Christopher Bell in the playoffs, proving their staying power.
The Turning Point: 23XI’s Breakout Years
In 2023, 23XI took a major step forward by replacing Kurt Busch with Tyler Reddick. The move paid off—Reddick secured two wins and reached the Round of 8 in the playoffs, while Wallace finished 17th, a clear improvement.
On the JGR side, Martin Truex Jr. dominated with multiple wins, including a commanding performance at Sonoma Raceway. Meanwhile, rookie Ty Gibbs showed promise, securing four top-five finishes and ten top-tens, earning him Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors.
Speaking to NASCAR.com, Ty Gibbs said:
“I’m always going to push it and get the most that I can. There are times that you can push it over the limit… but I feel like for me, I’m going to work the best I can every week, work hard in the simulator, and get my setups really close for the race weekend.”
By 2024, 23XI had become a true powerhouse—and the team’s biggest move came when Denny Hamlin personally recruited Tyler Reddick.
“I watched him, I raced against him, I wanted him, and I got him,” Hamlin said.
Though Reddick’s contract with Richard Childress Racing hadn’t expired, the teams settled the terms, and Reddick immediately delivered—leading the 2024 regular season standings and capturing two wins. Meanwhile, Wallace continued to improve, stacking up top-ten finishes and making a push for the playoffs.
Over at JGR, Christopher Bell kept the team in contention, winning three races and ranking 5th in the season standings.
2025: 23XI Racing Expands Again—Is JGR’s Throne in Jeopardy?
By 2025, 23XI Racing took another bold step, expanding to three cars with the addition of Riley Herbst. Despite ongoing legal disputes involving NASCAR, the team hasn’t slowed down.
- Tyler Reddick remains a title contender, keeping pace with the top drivers.
- Bubba Wallace won the 1st Duel at Daytona, further proving his growth.
Meanwhile, JGR’s Christopher Bell came out swinging in 2025, winning two of the first three races. If Bell continues at this pace, JGR could still hold the Cup Series crown—but with 23XI growing stronger, the battle is far from over.
Could a 23XI championship put a dent in JGR’s legacy? If you think JGR is untouchable, you might be in for a surprise!
The Hidden Truth: JGR and 23XI’s Unseen Partnership
While they battle on the track, 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing actually share a secret weapon—a strategic partnership.
- In 2021, Toyota Racing Development created a technical alliance between JGR and 23XI, supplying engines, chassis, and expertise.
- JGR provides chassis and engineering support, helping 23XI accelerate their growth.
- Denny Hamlin’s dual role—racing for JGR while owning 23XI—creates a unique flow of knowledge and resources.
Despite competing against each other, this partnership benefits both teams. Hamlin’s deep ties to Toyota have been pivotal in securing support for 23XI, while 23XI’s innovative approaches could influence JGR’s strategies.
This trend isn’t unique to JGR and 23XI. Across NASCAR:
- Front Row Motorsports partners with Team Penske for engineering support.
- Hendrick Motorsports works with Spire Motorsports, aiding their rapid growth.
These alliances allow smaller teams to access top-tier resources, but they also raise concerns about balancing cooperation and competition.
As NASCAR evolves, the JGR-23XI alliance will be closely watched. Will 23XI continue its meteoric rise, or will JGR remind the world why they’ve ruled the sport for decades?
One thing is certain—the battle for Toyota’s top team is far from over.
