23XI Racing fuels controversy with deleted paint scheme post, apparent jab at NASCAR amid lawsuit

Earlier today, 23XI Racing stirred the pot when they released images of Tyler Reddick’s “Unbannable” Jordan Brand paint scheme amid the lawsuit with NASCAR. Is it a harmless reference to Jordan’s first signature shoe with Nike or does it have a double meaning?

Teams post and delete things often. This may end up being a harmless incident. But with the unresolved lawsuit from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, we can’t help but be a little curious here, right?

For those who know the history of Michael Jordan and his signature shoes, you get what this paint scheme is referencing. The NBA tried to ban Jordan’s shoes for not conforming to the dress code at the time. Well, it didn’t work.

Jordan Brand released a remake of the “Banned 1s” as they are referred to. But could 23XI Racing be referencing their recent wins in the lawsuit? Like the fact NASCAR tried to “ban” them from having charters, but thanks to an injunction they have three of them for the 2025 season.

One NASCAR fan on Reddit noticed the post and delete, and now there is a lot of murmuring online.

23XI post on Instagram and X unveiling the “unbannable” scheme now deleted. (via u/Lukedelpapa) https://t.co/ZCK7FsIOsF #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/FXMPIydLE8

— r/NASCAR on Reddit (@NASCARonReddit) January 23, 2025

I’m sure the folks at NASCAR aren’t caught up on their Jordan Brand history. So, maybe there was an issue when this “Unbannable” paint scheme hit the timeline.

Then again, it could just be an innocent coincidence. That isn’t as fun, though, is it?

23XI Racing lawsuit continues

Between winning the preliminary injunction and not having to post a bond for their 2025 winning, 23XI Racing and Front Row are winning the lawsuit right now. NASCAR is hoping an appeals court decides to overturn the lower court’s decision.

I think, from the outside looking in, tensions are high right now. NASCAR likely feels backed into a corner. Jim France and his family are used to running things their way and always coming out on top. Right now, they are on their heels.

It looks like there will likely be a settlement. Then again, 23XI Racing has indicated a desire to see this lawsuit in court. The entire business model of the sport could change this year depending on how this whole thing plays out.

23XI Racing and the “Unbannable” paint scheme. Harmless reference to Michael Jordan’s history in the NBA, or something more?