Why did Michael Jordan hire Kurt Busch for 23XI Racing?

Michael Jordan hired Kurt Busch because he felt Busch raced with the same heart and passion that Jordan exemplified in basketball.

Did Kurt Busch win a race for 23XI Racing?

Yes, Kurt Busch won one race for 23XI Racing at Kansas Speedway in 2022.

When did Kurt Busch last race in NASCAR?

Kurt Busch's last NASCAR race appearance was in 2022, after which he stepped away from full-time competition due to medical reasons.

Home / Sports / MJ's Heartfelt Reason for Hiring Kurt Busch

MJ's Heartfelt Reason for Hiring Kurt Busch

21 Jan

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Summary

Michael Jordan told Kurt Busch he hired him because he raced from his heart.
Busch won one race for 23XI Racing at Kansas in 2022.
Busch has not raced since a qualifying crash at Pocono in 2022.

MJ's Heartfelt Reason for Hiring Kurt Busch

In a reflection on his career, NASCAR driver Kurt Busch shared a deeply personal anecdote about his hiring by Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team in 2021. While the team's co-founder Denny Hamlin highlighted Busch's experience, it was a unique comment from Jordan that truly impacted him. Jordan told Busch, "Why we want to hire you... is because you race like I played the game of basketball. You race from your heart."

Busch, who was admittedly nervous meeting the basketball legend, found Jordan's words incredibly validating. He stated that this description perfectly encapsulated his 30-year racing career, racing with passion and from the heart. This emotional connection defined his approach on the track.

During his tenure, Busch made 20 starts for 23XI Racing, achieving a victory at Kansas Speedway in 2022. He also secured five top-five finishes that season. However, his 2022 season was cut short after he was medically disqualified following a crash at Pocono Raceway, and he has not competed in NASCAR since.