Michael Jordan Drops Bombshell: “NASCAR Is a Living Hell to Me” Amid Rick Hendrick’s Shocking New Appointment
NBA legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing, Michael Jordan, has made headlines once again—this time not for his iconic moves on the court or his growing influence in motorsports, but for a brutally honest and emotional take on the current state of NASCAR. Jordan called NASCAR “a living hell” in a candid statement following the recent appointment of Rick Hendrick to a powerful new executive role within the sport.
Hendrick, the long-time owner of Hendrick Motorsports, was recently appointed to a senior strategic position within NASCAR’s competition committee, a move that many see as giving him unprecedented sway over the future direction of the sport. While some teams and fans have welcomed the news, citing Hendrick’s decades of success and experience, others—including Jordan—see it as a troubling shift in power dynamics.
“This isn’t about competition anymore,” Jordan said during a closed media session at Bristol. “When one man holds that much influence, you stop asking if things are fair—you just know they’re not. NASCAR has become a living hell to me because every decision feels like it benefits one team, one agenda, one dynasty.”
Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, co-owned with Denny Hamlin, has faced its share of highs and lows since its debut in 2021. But despite securing wins and building a strong fanbase, Jordan believes that the playing field is becoming more lopsided.
“There’s no denying Rick Hendrick has built a legacy,” Jordan said. “But now he’s not just running a team—he’s part of the system that governs how the sport works. That’s a conflict, plain and simple. And I can’t stand by and pretend it’s business as usual.”
While Jordan stopped short of suggesting he would leave the sport, his tone reflected a deep frustration with the direction things are heading. Sources close to the 23XI camp say there’s growing tension behind the scenes, particularly when it comes to transparency around rule enforcement, race officiating, and technical inspections—areas that the new committee Hendrick now influences will have a hand in overseeing.
Fans reacted swiftly to Jordan’s remarks, with social media erupting into debate. The hashtag #SaveNASCAR trended on X (formerly Twitter), as fans voiced both support and criticism of Jordan’s statement.
Denny Hamlin, Jordan’s business partner and fellow outspoken figure in the NASCAR garage, added fuel to the fire later that evening on his podcast, saying, “We just want fair racing. That’s all. But when the fox is helping run the henhouse, it’s hard not to be skeptical.”
As the controversy grows, NASCAR has yet to issue an official response to Jordan’s comments or the public reaction to Hendrick’s new role. What’s clear is that the sport’s leadership decisions are under more scrutiny than ever—and one of its most famous team owners isn’t staying quiet.
For now, Jordan remains committed to 23XI Racing, but he made one thing clear: “I came to NASCAR to build, to compete, to elevate. But right now, it feels like I’m fighting a battle I can’t
