SI:AM | Jordan Rules Racing

Michael Jordan's NASCAR Cup Series team has won the first two events of the 2026 season.

TYLER LAULETTA Good morning. Last night, we saw a top-notch NBA matchup between the Spurs and the Pistons. Tonight, what will we see when the Knicks visit the Cavaliers? In today's SI:AM: 🏀 Motown Battle 🏉 NFL Combine Preview 📅 Bracket Watch Michael Jordan is living his NASCAR dream Tim Shortt/Imagn Images Since The Last Dance came out nearly six years ago, it might seem like Michael Jordan has been relatively off the radar. Racing fans, though, are well aware of what Jordan has been getting up to. Spoiler alert: The GOAT likely hasn't had a happier two-week stretch since the Bulls were winning titles. Jordan is the owner of 23XI Racing, which competes in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team's name is derived from Jordan's jersey (23) and the car number (11) of the team's co-owner, Denny Hamlin. Is Hamlin still driving in the Cup Series? Yes. Is he a member of his own racing team? No. Racing is cool like that. Two weeks ago, the NASCAR season began at Daytona International Speedway. Tyler Reddick, driving the No. 45 car for 23XI, beat everyone to the line to win the Super Bowl of racing for the first time in his career. Despite being one of the most consistent drivers in the Cup Series last year, Reddick was winless in 2025.  "I can't even believe it. It was so gratifying," Jordan said after Reddick's win. "I'm ecstatic. I don't even know what to say. It feels like I won a championship." CONTINUE TYLER'S COLUMN ON SI Join the SI College Basketball Newsletter SI's college basketball newsletter delivers insider reporting and can't-miss stories on the biggest moments from across the country. From weekly previews to in-depth features, it's your essential guide to staying ahead in the world of NCAA hoops. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE The best of Sports Illustrated Chris Mannix was in Detroit, where he watched the Spurs withstand the Pistons' bruising defense as Victor Wembanyama dominated the glass and closed strong in a playoff-style battle. Albert Breer expects drama and unpredictability at the NFL combine.  Gilberto Manzano names five 2025 rookies who will make the jump to star status in the NFL next season. In his latest men's college basketball bracket watch, Kevin Sweeney says the Big Ten is the epicenter of bubble discussion. Sweeney also examines which coaches are on the hot seat. Mannix reports that Eduardo Núñez knows exactly what's at stake when he takes on Emanuel Navarrete, whom he calls a Mexican idol, this weekend in a super-featherweight title unification bout. Get the print edition of Sports Illustrated delivered to your door. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE! Chris Schwegler/Getty Images 👀 The top five ... …things I saw last night: 5. Jack Hughes's letter to his future self from 2019. 4. Alysa Liu's letter to her future self from 2019.  3. This Arike Ogunbowale assist. 2. Shane Ryan writing about watching his buddy play the round of his life on the golf course. 1. Jalen Duren putting Wemby on a poster. The best of SI Video In the latest edition of the Others Receiving Votes, the crew asks Texas A&M football coach Mike Elko about how he can build upon last season's success. Join the SI Boxing Newsletter Sports Illustrated's Chris Mannix provides a weekly spotlight, featuring in-depth reporting and sharp commentary, on the biggest fights and stories inside the ring. CLICK TO SUBSCRIBE W We may receive compensation for some links to products and services included in this email. Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. 625 Broadway, 10th floor New York, NY. 10012 You are receiving this email because you are subscribed to the SI:AM newsletter. You can unsubscribe here  . Privacy Policy – Terms & Conditions © 2026 Sports Publishing Solutions Inc. All rights reserved. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF ABG-SI LLC. All betting and gambling content included in the SI:AM newsletter is intended for individuals 21+ (18+ in DC, KY, NH, RI, and WY). Betting and gambling content, including picks and predictions, are based on individual commentators' opinions and we do not guarantee any success or profits. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER or texting 800GAM. Click this link to view the newsletter in your browser.