While 23XI Racing’s recent win at Talladega has captured some headlines outside of the typical NASCAR media landscape – most notably due to the physical presence of team owner Michael Jordan at the racetrack, a first in six victorious occasions – this was far from the squad’s first victory. From a sneaker fan’s perspective, 23XI Racing had delivered Ws in more ways than one.
In addition to a total of six trips to the top of the podium, the driver duo of Bubba Wallace and most notably Tyler Reddick have shown off some of the most creative car designs in the entire field over the last few years with several designs particularly close to the sneaker community’s heart.
While the most recent victory came in a Toyota Camry that payed homage to another of the Goat’s passions – motorcycle racing – with a design inspired by the classic Air Jordan VI ‘Motorsport’, it was only the latest stand-out paint job in a line of sneaker-inspired layouts.
Another fan-favorite is this version of the car that not only mimics the highly recognizable color scheme of the Air Jordan V ‘Grape’ but even includes distinct features of the shoe like the shark tooth element on the driver’s ‘doors’.
At NASCAR’s Round Of Eight, the team payed tribute to Jordan’s career and another one of his signature sneakers by coming up with an entire concept built around the distinct aesthetic of the Air Jordan VIII that not only included the car itself but also the driver’s racing suit.
In addition, other elements from the iconic lineup of Air Jordan signature basketball shoes have found their way onto 23XI Racing’s Toyota Camry, like the color blocking and distinct cement print of the contemporary Air Jordan shoe box.
But the custom car designs did not stop with re-creations of some of the most beloved Air Jordan retro designs. When the Jumpman teamed up with J Balvin for a fresh take on the AJ III, the campaign included the NASCAR race car to match.
And J Balvin took to the track himself, proudly sporting his ‘Medellin Sunset’ edition of the Air Jordan III, to take in the action.
Tyler Reddick and the team have also shown off designs inspired by everything from the Air Jordan II ‘Wings’ in honor of Howard ‘H’ White or the Luke 2 ‘Trick Shot’ to your favorite mascot from the golden arches’ roster or the Star Wars trilogies.
But given the circumstances of the team’s most recent win at Talladega, the AJ VI ‘Motorsport’ themed concept might have proven to be the luckiest of them all.
Another W for the team in the bag. The first one with the boss man in the building. Only one more thing left to do …
