Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team almost had very different name to 23XI Racing
Denny Hamlin has revealed that he and Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team almost had a very different name to 23XI Racing before the pair have taken NASCAR to court 12:23 ET, 11 Jun 2025Updated 12:24 ET, 11 Jun 2025 Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s 23XI almost had a different name(Image: Getty Images) Denny Hamlin and Michael […]
Denny Hamlin has revealed that he and Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team almost had a very different name to 23XI Racing before the pair have taken NASCAR to court
12:23 ET, 11 Jun 2025Updated 12:24 ET, 11 Jun 2025
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s 23XI almost had a different name(Image: Getty Images)
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are currently locked in a legal dispute with NASCAR to retain the charter status of their team, 23XI Racing. But it has now emerged their team could have had a very different name.
Their lawsuit against the racing circuit suffered a setback this week when a federal court denied their temporary injunction, casting doubt on the charter status of 23XI Racing for the remainder of the year. The team initially sued NASCAR for claiming an excessive share of the earnings, with their lawyers labeling NASCAR as “monopolistic bullies”.
Drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick have both been in agreement responding to the situation publicly, while Hamlin addressed his exodus fears last week before winning in Michigan and creating an awkward situation with Jordan and his legal team in the aftermath.
READ MORE: Denny Hamlin delivers candid Carson Hocevar verdict before making bold NASCAR predictionREAD MORE: Bubba Wallace turns to $220 billion backer for NASCAR reward on private jet
Hamlin and Jordan teamed up to establish 23XI Racing in 2020. In his latest ‘Actions Detrimental’ podcast, Hamlin disclosed that the team almost had a completely different name.
The duo eventually settled on 23XI, with 23 being a tribute to Jordan’s iconic number and 11 referencing the No. 11 Toyota Camry that Hamlin drives (currently for Joe Gibbs Racing).
“We were doing renderings and all this stuff, but you know, on all the gear like it was 6XI,” Hamlin added. “6XI was our team name for a while, but I just, I was like, eh, let’s change. Let’s rethink.”.
The plan was to use the number six to reference Jordan’s total NBA Championships before eventually going for a different approach. While they settled on a name and have had success on track, the situation they are facing remains uncertain.
Hamlin celebrates his recent Cup Series victory(Image: Getty Images)
“We are committed to running this season as an open team if required, even before the injunction decision,” Hamlin declared, even after a federal appellate panel ruled in favor of NASCAR.
“We are disappointed by today’s ruling by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals and are reviewing the decision to determine our next steps,” expressed Jeffery Kessler, attorney for 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, aligning with 23XI.
“This ruling is based on a very narrow consideration of whether a release of claims in the charter agreements is anti-competitive and does not impact our chances of winning at trial scheduled for Dec. 1.
In an earlier segment of the podcast, Hamlin talked about clinching the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday, marking his third win in the 2025 Cup Series season. He’s currently trailing behind Kyle Larson, who leads the standings.
Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Hyak Motorsports Prepare for a Sweet Race at Pocono Raceway
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Martin’s® Famous Potato Rolls is partnering with Hyak Motorsports for another sweet race this weekend. The No. 47 Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls Chevrolet is rollin’ to The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com at Pocono Raceway on June 22. Martin’s Potato Rolls are the #1 Potato Rolls in America. As a Pennsylvania brand, Martin’s couldn’t […]
CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. — Martin’s® Famous Potato Rolls is partnering with Hyak Motorsports for another sweet race this weekend. The No. 47 Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls Chevrolet is rollin’ to The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com at Pocono Raceway on June 22.
Martin’s Potato Rolls are the #1 Potato Rolls in America. As a Pennsylvania brand, Martin’s couldn’t be more proud to participate in a race that supports Pennsylvania organizations.
“We know Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls are the winning choice. We are excited to bring the Martin’s racecar scheme back to the racetrack with the No. 47 Chevrolet at Pocono Raceway this weekend,” said Tony Martin, President of Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. “Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls for the win!”
NASCAR Driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr will be back behind the wheel of the Martin’s Chevrolet. Stenhouse continues to build on a strong NASCAR Cup Series career in 2025. A veteran of over 450 Cup starts, Stenhouse has amassed four career victories, including a win at YellaWood in 2024 and Daytona 500 in 2023. With three career poles, 26 top-five finishes, and 62 top-10s, his consistency and experience make him a respected competitor in the garage and on the track.
“I’m excited to head to Pocono—it’s one of the most unique tracks we race all year,” said Stenhouse, driver of the No. 47 Chevrolet for Hyak Motorsports. “It’s fast, it’s tricky, and it really challenges you as a driver. We’ve got Martin’s Potato Rolls on board this weekend, and it doesn’t get much better than racing with a hometown favorite. Hopefully we can bring home a strong run for everyone at Martin’s and all the fans up in PA.”
The bright yellow No. 47 Chevrolet will showcase Martin’s Sweet Dinner Potato Rolls on the hood and sides of the car. The back bumper of the car will feature Martin’s motto, “It’s All About the Bun®,” because choosing the right bun for burgers, sliders, and more makes all the difference!
The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VisitPA.com is the 21st race of the NASCAR Cup Series Season. The 400-mile-race consists of 160-laps on the Pocono Raceway’s 2.5-mile track. Tune in to the race on Sunday, June 22 at 2 p.m. on Amazon Prime, Motor Racing Network, SiriusXM, and HBO Max.
About Martin’s® Famous Potato Rolls: Martin’s Famous Pastry Shoppe, Inc.® is a family owned and operated consumer goods company headquartered in Chambersburg, PA, with a second bakery in Valdosta, GA. The Martin’s company focuses on baking high-quality bread and roll products using high-quality ingredients. They are rigorously dedicated to extraordinary taste, quality, and customer service that proudly represents their legacy of cherished eating experiences and truly sets them apart from their competitors. Since the 1950s, the business has expanded from a home garage business into two commercial baking plants and continues to grow and flourish in areas of established distribution. For more information, visit: www.potatorolls.com.
About Hyak Motorsports: Hyak Motorsports is a race-winning NASCAR team co-owned by Gordon Smith, Ernie Cope, Mark Hughes, and Brad Daugherty as of Nov. 18, 2023. The Harrisburg, North Carolina-based organization won the 2023 Daytona 500 with driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr and has accumulated two other wins in the NASCAR Cup Series. For more information, please visit the newly rebranded team at HyakMotorsports.com and on social at Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Yamaha Motor Corp. announced its new 2026 lineup of YZ off-road competition motorcycles and TT-R off-road trail motorcycles, highlighted by updates to its flagship YZ450F Motocross model, a handful of key updates to its two-stroke YZ125, and four new 70th Anniversary Edition YZ models. Yamaha’s new 2026 YZ lineup features updates to its YZ450F Motocross model […]
Yamaha Motor Corp. announced its new 2026 lineup of YZ off-road competition motorcycles and TT-R off-road trail motorcycles, highlighted by updates to its flagship YZ450F Motocross model, a handful of key updates to its two-stroke YZ125, and four new 70th Anniversary Edition YZ models.
Yamaha’s new 2026 YZ lineup features updates to its YZ450F Motocross model and its two-stroke YZ125. (Photos: Yamaha)
In commemoration of its seven decades in the motorsports business, Yamaha introduced the 70th anniversary editions of the YZ125, YZ250, YZ250F, and YZ450F. These models will come adorned in a modern take on Yamaha’s iconic white and red speed block livery, combining with the sleek, aggressive YZ bodywork for a standout look.
In addition to the extensively updated 2026 YZ450F flagship motocrosser, Yamaha is also updating its 2026 YZ125 two-stroke competition model and 2026 YZ125 Yamaha 70th Anniversary Edition. Both will receive an updated intake design and revised carburetion and CDI settings for more consistent performance in varying conditions, more linear power delivery, and enhanced rideability.
Yamaha’s 70th Anniversary Edition YZ lineup includes the YZ125, YZ250, YZ250F, and YZ450F.
Yamaha’s flagship 2026 YZ450FX Cross Country model received new four-mode Traction Control accessed through the Yamaha Power Tuner app. All four-stroke competition models, including the YZ250F, YZ450F, YZ250FX, YZ450FX, WR250F and WR450F now receive an industry-first ECU lock function providing theft deterrence by allowing owners to prevent unauthorized engine start-up via a password-required lock function accessed through the Power Tuner app.
All 2026 off-road competition and trail models received an updated graphics package.
For complete pricing and details on availability on all 2026 YZ and TT-R models, visit www.yamahamotorsports.com.
Yamaha BLU CRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program
All 2026 YZ models are eligible for Yamaha’s current bLU cRU Off-Road Racing Contingency Program, which features over $10 million for Yamaha bLU cRU riders competing in off-road motorcycle racing. YZ riders can earn contingency payouts via a bLU cRU debit card, receive a bLU cRU welcome kit, and exclusive invitations to special bLU cRU events and training opportunities.
Friesen rides momentum of Michigan win into Pocono – Scranton Times-Tribune
Stewart Friesen heads to Pocono Raceway this week after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Michigan two weeks ago. TOYOTA GAZOO RACING Stewart Friesen snapped a 72-race winless streak with his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series victory at Michigan two weeks ago. TOYOTA GAZOO RACING Stewart Friesen holds the checkered flag out the window […]
Stewart Friesen heads to Pocono Raceway this week after winning the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Michigan two weeks ago. TOYOTA GAZOO RACING
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Thanks to an off week in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule, Stewart Friesen had extra time to revel in his victory at Michigan International Speedway two weeks ago.
The 41-year-old Canadian, who lives in Sprakers, New York, and also competes on dirt tracks throughout the Northeast, survived triple overtime to snap a 72-race winless streak and earn his fourth career Trucks win.
“It definitely was timely. Having that extra week off to celebrate was nice,” Friesen said in a telephone interview. “We’re prepping now for Pocono and another Northeast race the following week at Lime Rock. But it gave the guys in the shop a little more time to soak it up and have a positive attitude going into these next two.”
Indeed, it’s back to work for Friesen and the Halmar Friesen Racing No. 52 Toyota team as they head to Pocono Raceway for the 16th annual Mille Tech Battery 200 on Friday. It kicks off a NASCAR tripleheader weekend at the 2.5-mile triangular track in Long Pond that includes the Xfinity Series on Saturday and Cup Series on Sunday.
“It was a big day for us. It’s been a couple years,” Friesen continued. “A lot of changes within the team personnel-wise the last two years. We were regrouping two years ago and last year we started to hit our stride. This year, we’ve seen all that work kind of pay off. Some good runs, had really fast trucks. Had some unfortunate luck at a few races. Then Michigan was kind of an opportunity that presented itself last in the race.”
Friesen actually was in 19th place with five laps remaining when a big crash at the front of the field on a restart took out several contenders and sent the race into overtime. Another crash forced double overtime. Yet another wreck created triple overtime. Each time, Friesen was able to move his way toward the front and take the lead from Grant Enfinger in Turn 3 on the final restart.
“We missed the balance a little bit and fired off really free in the first stage,” Friesen said. “We worked on it and in the second stage we were on the tight side. I knew the perfect truck was attainable, it just took us some time to get there. A few more adjustments got it perfect and I could run around there wide open. We thought, ‘Ok, we’re going to have a good finish. It’s just a little too late to have a win.’ But then we missed the accident and a couple of timely restarts we were able to pick off some guys and have a shot at the front row. The third overtime deal was pretty wild. Once we got that, we had good speed to hold on for the last two laps.”
Coming to the checkered flag, Friesen felt a wide range of emotions. It was his first Truck Series win since May 20, 2022, at Texas. He said it ranks right up there with what he considers the biggest win of his career — the Syracuse 200 big-block Modified race in 2010.
“It was a lot of blood, sweat and tears becoming worthwhile as we crossed the line,” Friesen said. “A big sigh of relief for myself and the whole team. Our guys put in a lot of time and sacrifice to get our truck and team to where we want to be. It’s just so rewarding when all that pays off.”
Not only did the win end his drought, it also qualified Friesen for the Truck Series playoffs over the final seven races.
“I think we were close and had the speed to be able to point our way in this year,” Friesen said. “But it’s a big relief to be locked into that first round and all the positives that come with it. Marketing-wise, you get a lot more TV time being in that playoff picture. Whereas the last two years, being out of the playoff picture, you lose a lot of that TV time and are not really in the conversation. So we wanted to make sure we were back in the hunt.”
Now, Friesen heads to Pocono, which he considers somewhat of a home track. In eight Truck starts there, he has one top-five and three top-10 finishes, including a seventh place last year.
“It’s nice. There’s always a lot of friends and family there. A lot of northeast race fans that we see throughout the year kind of migrate to Pocono,” Friesen said. “It’s one of the most unique tracks on the schedule with the size and the shape. It’s one of my favorite to drive, so I’m looking forward to this weekend.
“It’s a very challenging race track to find the balance. Turn 1 is very fast with a lot of bank. Turn 2 across the tunnel is super fast, but it’s sketchy because it’s kind of rough. Really, really flat. Turn 3 is definitely the easiest of all three corners, but it’s the hardest in that you need to exit with as much speed as you can. Sometimes sacrificing some handling in Turn 1 to be better in Turn 3 to hold more speed down the frontstretch is better. It’s tough to pass there, so the draft is really important. And then your pit strategy is to try to get track position. So there’s definitely a lot going on in a lap and in the whole race at Pocono.”
Practice and qualifying for the Miller Tech Battery 200 are Friday with the race getting the green flag at 5 p.m.
NASCAR AT POCONO SCHEDULE
Friday: Craftsman Truck Series practice, 12:35-1:30 p.m.; qualifying, 1:40-2:30 p.m.; Miller Tech Battery 200, 5 p.m.
Saturday: Xfinity Series practice, 10-10:55 a.m.; Xfinity qualifying, 11:05 a.m.-noon; Cup Series practice, 12:35-1:35 p.m.; Cup qualifying, 1:45-2:30 p.m.; Xfinity Explore the Pocono Mountains 250, 3:30 p.m.
Sunday: Cup Series, The Great American Getaway 400 presented by VISITPA.COM, 2 p.m.
Christopher Bell Secures NASCAR Sponsorship Triumph Amidst Adversity and Growth
Unveiling the Rise of Christopher Bell: A NASCAR Star’s Journey Through Trials and Triumphs Talent, speed, and a top-tier team are crucial elements that fuel the confidence of any professional NASCAR driver. However, in the high-stakes world of the NASCAR Cup Series, a reliable sponsor can make all the difference. Christopher Bell, the rising star […]
Unveiling the Rise of Christopher Bell: A NASCAR Star’s Journey Through Trials and Triumphs
Talent, speed, and a top-tier team are crucial elements that fuel the confidence of any professional NASCAR driver. However, in the high-stakes world of the NASCAR Cup Series, a reliable sponsor can make all the difference. Christopher Bell, the rising star of Joe Gibbs Racing, knows this firsthand, as he navigates the challenging landscape of NASCAR sponsorships with finesse and determination.
With the departure of veteran driver Martin Truex Jr., Bell has stepped into a more prominent role within his team. Regarded as one of the best drivers under Coach Gibbs’s tutelage, Bell has emerged as a top contender for the championship, alongside teammate Denny Hamlin. His presence in the sport has grown significantly, earning him respect from his peers and the media alike.
A pivotal moment in Bell’s career came after a controversial penalty decision in Martinsville in 2024, which cost him a coveted playoff spot. Reflecting on this incident, Bell credits his team and sponsors for instilling in him the confidence and support needed to navigate the cutthroat world of NASCAR. In a recent interview, he emphasized the importance of sponsor relationships, highlighting the pressure drivers face to perform both on and off the track.
Bell’s journey to success has not been without its challenges. Adapting to the demands of his No. 20 Toyota Camry XSE took time, but once he found his stride and the assurance that his sponsors had his back, he embraced a newfound sense of freedom in expressing his thoughts and opinions. No longer constrained by fear of losing sponsorship, Bell’s authenticity and candor have set him apart in the competitive NASCAR landscape.
The Martinsville setback served as a turning point for Bell, showcasing his resilience and composure in the face of adversity. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the Championship 4, his handling of the situation garnered admiration from NASCAR officials and fans alike. Bell’s ability to rise above setbacks and stay true to himself has solidified his position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of NASCAR.
As Christopher Bell continues to carve his path to greatness, his journey serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit and determination of a true NASCAR champion in the making.
New Study Reveals Motorsports Industry Generates $69.2 Billion for U.S. Economy, Supports Over 318,000 Jobs
Performance Racing Industry (PRI) today released a landmark study that underscores the motorsports industry’s pivotal role as a key contributor to the U.S. economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, generating billions in economic activity, and delivering substantial tax revenue. PRI, the leading voice for the motorsports industry in the U.S., commissioned the research, which was […]
Performance Racing Industry (PRI) today released a landmark study that underscores the motorsports industry’s pivotal role as a key contributor to the U.S. economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, generating billions in economic activity, and delivering substantial tax revenue.
PRI, the leading voice for the motorsports industry in the U.S., commissioned the research, which was conducted by John Dunham & Associates, based on 2025 U.S. economy data. The study encompasses automobile, truck, motorcycle, and UTV/side-by-side racing activity.
Traditionally, economic impact reports about racing are focused on the impact of a single event – major race weekend events for a specific local and state economy. These are studies that examine the impact of the tourism dollars that come into the economy as a result of that single event. PRI’s report is different because it determines the economic impact of the businesses that support the existence of racing in the first place.
PRI’s research represents the most comprehensive assessment of motorsports’ economic footprint ever undertaken to quantify the scale and significance of the business of racing to the U.S. economy. It evaluates the economic contributions from multiple racing businesses, including tracks and promoters, parts manufacturers, distributors, retailers, service providers, and incorporated race teams.
Key findings from the study include:
The industry contributes more than $69.2 billion in annual economic impact to the American economy.
Nationwide, the motorsports industry supports more than 318,000 American jobs.
American workers in the motorsports industry earn more than $22.1 billion worth of wages and benefits.
The industry generates more than $8.2 billion in tax revenue, including $5 billion in federal taxes and $3.2 billion in state and local taxes.
This economic impact study represents an important bookend to PRI’s 2024 Racing Market Report, a consumer trends analysis which found that consumers spent $8 billion on track-use only parts for motorsports in 2023.
As part of this study, PRI also launched an interactive economic impact map, enabling users to explore motorsports-related data by state and county — highlighting the industry’s reach and relevance in communities of all sizes across the country. The website also offers downloadable infographics that can be shared with policy makers and other businesses to show the impact motorsports has on individual states and communities.
The PRI Economic Impact Study provides valuable data about the economic footprint of the motorsports industry in the United States. PRI undertook this effort to provide policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public with credible, data-driven insights into racing’s role as a major driver of economic activity, employment, and tax revenue. The study not only affirms the industry’s significance but also serves as a foundational resource to inform advocacy, investment, and long-term planning.
“Racing holds a special place in American life, and this milestone report highlights the broad scope of the motorsports industry as an economic driver at the local, state, and federal levels,” said PRI President Michael Good. “Using these results as a foundation, PRI will continue to seek ways to foster the motorsports industry, from racetracks to manufacturers, and from small businesses to major national employers, to ensure motorsports continues to touch every part of the country and bring together people from all walks of life for competition and community. We’re proud to serve as the leading voice for the motorsports industry in the U.S. and will continue delivering the data needed to demonstrate the industry’s economic strength and value.”
In 2023, a study commissioned by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) found that the automotive aftermarket industry generates an economic impact of $337 billion annually to the American economy. While the motorsports study found small areas of overlap in the parts, repair, and facilities areas, the motorsports study results are a complement to the SEMA report. PRI was acquired by SEMA in 2012 to connect, protect, and advocate for the motorsports industry.
This story was originally published on June 18, 2025.
