"Alex Palou?": Fans left guessing as Michael Jordan’s 23XI teases major IndyCar announcement

23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, left NASCAR fans guessing after teasing an announcement potentially related to the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Fans shared wild speculations about the announcement, suggesting IndyCar and other international stars who could race for the team.

Ahead of the Cup Series' inaugural race weekend in Mexico City, 23XI Racing posted a short video on X with the caption "Something is Coming..." for the Indy 2025 event. The official announcement is scheduled for June 20, but NASCAR fans have already begun speculating about the drivers joining the team for a one-off start.

The announcement could be as straightforward as welcoming a new sponsor for the race at Indianapolis or putting their development driver Corey Heim in a fourth entry for the Brickyard 400. However, given the significance of the Brickyard 400, the team could be fielding a popular IndyCar driver or a retired NASCAR driver.

23XI Racing has previously fielded entries for international stars like Kamui Kobayashi, Travis Pastrana, and Juan Pablo Montoya. The latter might be the best fit for a return, as the former NASCAR driver is a two-time Indy 500 winner.

An X user suggested reigning Indy 500 winner Alex Palou could make a one-off entry. However, this is unlikely as the IndyCar races at Laguna Seca during the NASCAR race weekend at the Brickyard (July 27).

"Alex Palou?" X user asked.

Patrick Weland

@JustThatWeland

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Alex Palou?

Another X user suggested former F1 driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, who raced for 23XI at Watkins Glen in 2024.

"Montoya in the 67," the comment read.

Dakota Vega

@DakotaVega61

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Montoya in the 67

Here are a few other speculations from NASCAR fans:

"SCOTT MCLAUGHLIN???" another X user guessed.

Scott McLaughlin is an unlikely choice, as he drives a Chevy-powered Team Penske entry in IndyCar.

"JPM," another comment read, hoping for Montoya's return.

"It’s gotta be an IndyCar driver 🔥," an X user wrote.

"Wouldn't have thought y'all would be celebrating becoming an open team? 😉" another X user quipped, as 23XI Racing could lose charters.

As for retired NASCAR champions, Kurt Busch has been cleared to race, but it is unlikely he would return to a high-speed oval, while Martin Truex Jr. could return to check off a missing crown jewel victory.

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23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin to miss Mexico City race

NASCAR Cup Series' most recent race winner, Denny Hamlin, is set to miss the race weekend in Mexico City. Hamlin's fiancée, Jordan Fish, gave birth to a baby boy on Wednesday, June 11, and the 23XI Racing co-owner has opted to stay with his family.

Hamlin will be replaced by Ryan Truex, who has been on standby for the past few weekends. Martin Truex Jr.'s younger brother has done extensive simulator work for Joe Gibbs Racing and will be making his first Cup start since 2014.

The #11 JGR driver posted a short message on social media, stating he will be back at Pocono, where he has won seven times.

23XI Racing has high odds of clinching its first victory of the season in Mexico City, as Tyler Reddick is considered one of the best road course racers in the field. Bubba Wallace has also shown progress on road courses in recent starts.

The Viva Mexico 250 Cup race is scheduled for this Sunday, June 15, at 3:00 p.m. ET.