23XI Racing adds fuel to speculation after re-releasing paint scheme with curious omission

Yesterday 23XI Racing had the NASCAR world talking with their announcement of the Tyler Reddick “Unbannable” Jordan Brand scheme for the Clash. A reference to the “Banned 1s” that the NBA tried to keep Michael Jordan from wearing when he first debuted his signature shoe.

However, many took the reference to have multiple meanings. Amid the legal battle with NASCAR, 23XI Racing was almost “banned” in a sense. They only have charters because of an injunction from the court.

When 23XI Racing deleted the post for the paint scheme, it only fueled the speculation. Well, the paint scheme is back up online, but the graphic and caption are much different.

There is no reference to “Unbannable” in the new post. There is also no image of the rear bumper which featured the word “Unbannable” on the car itself.

Just like this graphic, the 45 is back again.
 @tylerreddick takes on the Clash in the No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota Camry XSE. pic.twitter.com/0B0mtHJtHD

— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) January 24, 2025

Did NASCAR make them remove the text? Did 23XI Racing’s attorneys feel that it was in poor taste given the lawsuit? It is hard to say and we probably will never know. I know a lot of people will be looking at the back of this car at Bowman Gray, trying to see if it still says “Unbannable.”

Tensions are clearly high right now between NASCAR and 23XI and Front Row. They are in a heated legal dispute right now that can change the future of the sport. So, whether NASCAR said something or the team felt it best to make the move, maybe it’s for the best.

I hope it still says “Unbannable” at the race, though.

23XI Racing, Front Row waiting on appeal decision

The injunction orders that have allowed 23XI Racing and Front Row to race chartered teams this season are in effect. However, there is a chance that those orders get overturned. An appeal court is going to make a decision in May.

With a decision not expected for months in the court of appeals, NASCAR is in a tough spot. 23XI and Front Row also don’t want to appear hostile. The courts wouldn’t necessarily like that.

Right now, everything is kind of in a holding pattern. Of course, a settlement could be reached at any moment. It does not appear that is what 23XI and Front Row want to do. Anything could happen, though.

23XI Racing has a fun paint scheme. It is not a direct reference to NASCAR or the lawsuit. So, let’s just wait and see what that rear bumper says when the Clash rolls around.