23XI Racing is one of the fastest-growing organizations in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team debuted at the beginning of the 2021 season with Bubba Wallace as the driver of the No. 23 car but it didn’t stop there with big names.
NBA legend Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin formed the team as both are committed to making it a well-established powerhouse organization. This was proven right when 23XI Racing hired Kurt Busch to drive its second entry during the 2022 season.
Unfortunately, Busch had to step away due to his concussion and Tyler Reddick replaced him. 23XI Racing introduced a third, part-time car at the 2023 Daytona 500 but hasn’t brought it back yet. The organization gave an update on whether fans will see the car back on the track in 2023.
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23XI Racing gives update on the No. 67 car’s plans for the 2023 season
Travis Pastrana piloted the No. 67 car for 23XI Racing to an 11th-place finish in the 2023 Daytona 500. Pastrana was the highest-finishing 23XI Racing driver and second-highest Toyota Racing driver behind Joe Gibbs Racing driver Christopher Bell.
While there have been zero announcements since the Daytona 500, Pastrana has been rumored to possibly have a few opportunities with the team this year. Nothing has come to frution yet, at least to the public eye.
23XI Racing has been preparing the No. 67 car due to the possibility of Busch being cleared to compete in NASCAR again. It wouldn’t be a full-time operation but there have been steps in the right direction for the former NASCAR driver.
Related: Kurt Busch provides big update on returning to NASCAR with 23XI Racing
Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI Racing, hopped on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio to discuss the possibility of the No. 67 car being entered into the NASCAR Cup Series again during the 2023 season.
“I think you shouldn’t be surprised to see (23XI Racing) do it again at some point this year. We are just trying to line up what’s the right race, what’s the right situation. Obviously, wouldn’t want to detract from what we are doing with (Bubba Wallace) and (Tyler Reddick) on a week in and week out basis. We learned a lot…I think there will be a really good opportunity for us to do that again at some point this season.”
Steve Lauletta on 23XI Racing entering the No. 67 car in 2023
Based on Lauletta’s comments, it seems like there will definitely be a chance of seeing the No. 67 car entered into a Cup Series race again in 2023. It is good to have competitive race cars on the track each weekend and more does not hurt.
As for a full-time opportunity in 2024, it is officially not going to happen after Legacy Motor Club was announced as the third organization to be backed by Toyota in the Cup Series next season. This means eight cars will be entered by Toyota.
The organization is looking at expansion in the future but the idea doesn’t make sense due to the ongoing charter negotiations and Legacy Motor Club’s switch. For now, the organization will continue to improve as a two-car team and pursue its first NASCAR championship.
In the meantime, whether you are watching it live or looking for how to watch NASCAR on TV or another streaming platform, Sportsnaut has you covered for the upcoming weekend at Darlington Raceway!