WATCH: Kurt Busch wins NASCAR race in Jordan Brand car
Veteran NASCAR driver Kurt Busch took the 23XI 45 car to the winner’s circle for the first time on Sunday with Jordan Brand on the hood. Inspired by the Air Jordan III “Black Cement” shoes worn by Michael Jordan during his Hall of Fame NBA career.
After passing Kyle Larson’s 5 car in the final 10 laps, he drove away and took the checkered flag. While co-owner Denny Hamlin admitted after the race that the drivers on his team deserved better than some of the results they saw so far this season, he was overcome with emotion talking with the winning driver.
“This is 23XI, this is our first win for the 45 car,” said Busch. “And with Jordan Brand on the hood, I felt like I had to play like the GOAT, race like the GOAT.”
Kurt Busch has now won NASCAR Cup Series races with five teams and four manufacturers over his career, but this was his first win at Kansas, as well as his first under owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan.
This is the second ever win for 23XI racing, after Bubba Wallace claimed the first ever victory last season at Talladega Superspeedway.
More on Kurt Busch, Michael Jordan
Kurt Busch is one of the most accomplished drivers in the sport, making the most career starts among active drivers. He won the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, but last drove to victory in the 2017 Daytona 500 before Sunday.
With the win, Busch becomes an automatic qualifier for the playoffs this season, providing more opportunities to create history with 23XI racing this year.
While wearing the Air Jordan III, Michael Jordan also saw great success. In that unique pair of shoes he won the scoring and steals titles, became an All-Star, won the dunk contest, won Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.