Michael Jordan officially entered the world of NASCAR in 2020, and since then, his influence in the sport has only continued to grow. As co-owner of 23XI Racing, he brought a brand new team to the fore, with the organization now establishing itself as a competitor in its sixth season in the Cup Series. No one has witnessed this growth more closely than its competitors on the track.
Ross Chastain, like anyone else who knew who Jordan was, understood what he brought to the sport. Even as he battles drivers like Tyler Reddick on the track, track racing Drivers say following MJ’s halo has elevated the entirety of NASCAR.
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Chastain speaks on acceptance of Tennessee Motorsports acquisition Talk about the rewards of this sport When someone like MJ steps into the arena. “It’s incredible to have a sports icon like NASCAR who has accomplished so much, not just in sports but in business and in life,” he said.
“I don’t know him. I’ve never talked to him. I’ve never even held his hand. I hope to do that one day. It’s always good when you have successful people involved in what you do. I think a rising tide lifts all boats.” Chastain added.
23XI Racing started the new year with three consecutive championships, all of which went to Reddick. The run put Michael Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin in the spotlight, while also attracting the attention of drivers throughout the field.
Chastain is not affected by format changes
When NASCAR releases its next-generation race car in 2022, Trackhouse Racing stands out. As the team works to master the new machine, ChastainKeeping the No. 1 car at the front and carrying the flag for the team throughout the race. That season, he earned two wins and finished second in the standings.
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The next year, Chastain made the playoffs again, finishing 10th and reaching Victory Lane twice. The team then hired Shane van Gisbergen to bolster its drive on road courses, a move aimed at retaining a playoff spot through race wins. But the current points structure values wins as much as weekly results, moving away from the old “win and you’re in” mentality.
Chastain, however, said he had little interest in the debate format. He said, “I don’t care. That’s the short answer, because no matter what they do, I’m going to race. Sign me up for whatever the French family and NASCAR want. If they want to turn everything upside down, it doesn’t matter to me. I just need the rule book. Just give me the schedule, the racing rules and the track procedures, and I’m going to race.”
After the start of the season, the driver Chevrolet’s number one driver Ranked 23rd in the standings with 74 points.
The article ‘I never even shook his hand’: Ross Chastain delivers verdict on Michael Jordan’s impact on NASCAR appeared first on The SportsRush.
