NASCAR team owner makes record-breaking donation

NASCAR Cup Series team owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan made history with his $10 million donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

23XI Racing NASCAR Cup Series team co-owner Michael Jordan turns 60 years old on Friday, and to honor the milestone, he is donating $10 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The NBA legend’s donation is the largest in the history of the nonprofit organization, which helps fulfill the wishes of children with a critical illness between the ages of two-and-a-half and 18 years old. The Make-A-Wish Foundation was founded in 1980.

Here is what Jordan, the longtime Chicago Bull who now owns the Charlotte Hornets, had to say about the matter in a news release.

"“For the past 34 years, it’s been an honor to partner with Make-A-Wish and help bring a smile and happiness to so many kids. Witnessing their strength and resilience during such a tough time in their lives has truly been an inspiration. I can’t think of a better birthday gift than seeing others join me in supporting Make-A-Wish so that every child can experience the magic of having their wish come true.”"

Here is what Make-A-Wish America President and CEO Leslie Motter had to add.

"“Everyone knows about Michael’s legacy on the basketball court, but it’s what he has consistently done off the court when no one’s watching that makes him a true legend for wish families and the wider Make-A-Wish community.“Michael using his birthday as a chance to make history for Make-A-Wish speaks to the quality of his character and his loyal dedication to making life better for children with critical illnesses. We hope that the public will be inspired to follow in his footsteps by helping make wishes come true.”"

Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, which he owns along with Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, fields two full-time entries in the Cup Series.

Those two entries are the No. 23 Toyota, which is driven by Bubba Wallace, and the No. 45 Toyota, which is driven by Tyler Reddick.

Wallace has been with the team since they entered the Cup Series in 2021, while Reddick is replacing Kurt Busch this year after Busch retired from full-time competition as a result of a head injury he suffered in a July crash at Pocono Raceway. The No. 45 Toyota was only added last year.

23XI Racing have also entered a third car, the No. 67 Toyota, in this year’s season-opening Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway for Travis Pastrana.

Jordan had long stated that he was content with simply being a NASCAR fan and watching from afar, as opposed to investing in the sport as an owner. But amid speculation about his potential arrival as a team owner in the summer of 2020, he opted to turn “fake news into real news” and joined forces with his longtime friend.

The 36-race season is scheduled to get underway this Sunday, February 19, with Fox set to broadcast the 65th running of the Great American Race live beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Begin a free trial of FuboTV if you haven’t already!