NBA legend and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan had good reason to be on edge as his drivers, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, faced high-stakes challenges at the Darlington 500. With Wallace fighting to secure a spot in the NASCAR playoffs and Reddick battling illness while vying for the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season title, the pressure was immense.
“I’m absolutely terrified right now,” Jordan admitted before the race. “I want [Wallace] to do well, obviously. And Tyler [Reddick], too. I know Tyler’s a little sick, but he’s struggling, trying to get through it. But that’s what NASCAR is all about. I enjoy it. I don’t have basketball anymore, but this could replace it very easily. I’m excited for today.”
Jordan’s anxiety was justified. Bubba Wallace, driving the No. 23 Toyota, ended up finishing 16th—just shy of securing a playoff berth after making the postseason in 2023. On the other hand, Tyler Reddick, despite his illness, managed to push through and finish in the top 10, clinching the NASCAR Cup Series regular-season title by the slimmest of margins—just one point. This victory drew comparisons to Jordan’s iconic “Flu Game” from the 1997 NBA Finals, where he scored 38 points while battling illness to lead the Chicago Bulls to a crucial win.
Tyler Reddick’s ‘Flu Game’ Moment
While Chase Briscoe claimed the checkered flag at the Darlington 500 and secured a spot in the playoffs, the day’s true standout was Tyler Reddick. Despite being under the weather, Reddick’s determination and grit earned him the regular-season title, edging out his competition by a single point. The physical toll of the race was evident as Reddick required medical attention immediately after crossing the finish line.
Jordan, reflecting on Reddick’s performance, couldn’t help but draw parallels to his own storied past. “I mean, I know what it feels like to be sick and trying to perform, and just to do what he did—I wasn’t going around 200 miles an hour in a car, but I’m proud of his effort, and we needed it,” Jordan said, as reported by NASCAR.com. “We won by one point. He gutted it out. So hopefully he feels better tomorrow, and we feel better next week.”
Looking Ahead
As the NASCAR playoffs kick off on September 8 at the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, all eyes will be on Tyler Reddick as he continues to chase championship glory. For Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing, the Darlington 500 was a testament to the resilience and determination of their team—a quality that Jordan, a fierce competitor, deeply appreciates.
