23XI Racing president spill the beans on “Michael Jordan factor” behind Riley Herbst’s car number choice for 2025
The president of the 23XI Racing, Steve Lauletta has explained the thought process behind the team choosing the No:35 for Riley Herbst.
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Michael Jordan and Riley Herbst (Via IMAGO)
One of the most surprise announcement of the NASCAR silly-season for 2025 came from Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing. The team announced the signing of ex-SHR Xfinity series driver Riley Herbst for next-season and it was confirmed that he would drive the No:35 Toyota Camry next-year.
23XI Racing always connect their car numbers for their NBA legend team owner Michael Jordan and the Riley Herbst’s was no different. But according to the TRD teams’ President Steve Lauletta, 35 being the Jordan’s first basketball shirt number, it wasn’t the only reason behind the decision. He explained the factors behind the signing in his latest interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
The number, the #35, actually Michael Jordan wore it when he first started playing baseball, so he thought it’d sit with the #23 and the #45 which are his other numbers.
Steve Lauletta said via SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
It also had the factors such as a nod to the current car numbers of the team, the car co-owner Denny Hamlin’s dad used to drive. There were also few other connections the team was able to make with the call.
Denny’s dad drove the #8 and so five and three together make eight so we kind of found a couple of reasons why #35 fit in. It takes the three from the #23 and the five from the #45.
Steve Lauletta added.
Steve Lauletta explains Monster Energy’s role in 23XI signing Riley Herbst
While further talking about the driver signing, Steve Lauletta has explained that one reason behind 23XI signing Herbst was the Monster Energy sponsorship. They have been strong partner of 23XI with Kurt Busch and Tyler Reddick in the past and the new deal will only deepen the deal.
We’ve had a great relationship with Monster Energy for a number of years now back to Kurt (Busch) and with Tyler. To expand our relationship with them and give Riley the chance, there were just a ton of reasons why it made sense for us.
Steve Lauletta said.
Monster Energy’s involvement has played a significant role in Herbst getting the deal done with 23XI and the sponsorship money coming in is really going to help the team. It’s an important investment for the team considering they are in a legal battle with NASCAR over the charter deals.
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Justin P Joy
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