Many fans see the number 23 on a NASCAR windshield and immediately think of a legendary driver, but who actually drives number 23 depends on the series, team, and season. This guide breaks down the current story behind that iconic number on today’s circuits.
Below is a structured snapshot of who has driven or is linked to number 23 in key NASCAR contexts, focusing on modern Cup, Xfinity, and team decisions.
| Series | Driver | Team | Recent Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cup Series | Bubba Wallace | 23XI Racing | 2023 to present | Primary driver and co-owner; full-time effort |
| Cup Series (Historic) | Dale Jarrett | Robert Yates Racing | 1993–2005 | Championship pedigree; retired number legacy |
| Xfinity Series | Anthony Alfredo | Our Motorsports | 2023–present (part-time) | Number leased from 23XI; varies by race |
| Truck Series | Grant Enfinger | GMS Racing | 2023 season | Win with this number in lower series context |
Bubba Wallace and 23XI Racing Today
In the NASCAR Cup Series, number 23 is anchored by Bubba Wallace, who drives the #23 for 23XI Racing. As co-owner alongside Michael Jordan, Wallace has made this number his own, committing to a long-term vision that blends performance with cultural impact. The team runs full Cup schedules and has elevated the competitiveness of the 23 car.
Performance and Consistency
Since taking full control, Wallace has recorded top-10 and top-20 finishes in many high-profile races, demonstrating that the 23XI program is built to compete at the front. The partnership with Jordan has brought additional resources and marketing focus, strengthening the team’s position in the garage and in media coverage.
Historic Legacy of Number 23 in NASCAR
Long before Bubba Wallace wore 23 in Cup, that number belonged to Dale Jarrett in the Yates era, where it became synonymous with consistency and championship pedigree. Jarrett delivered multiple wins and a championship, making 23 a respected name in many fan circles. Teams that reuse number 23 often reference that legacy while building their own story.
Other drivers across lower series have also worn 23, but Jarrett’s impact in Cup created a high benchmark. When a team revives 23 today, fans weigh that history against current performance and driver fit.
Number Leasing and Partnerships in NASCAR
In modern NASCAR, number ownership and leasing add complexity to who drives number 23. Teams can own a number or lease it from another organization, which affects long-term branding and driver stability. For example, some Xfinity teams lease 23 from Cup programs, creating interesting storylines about number rights and driver movement.
Understanding these arrangements helps fans see why the same number can appear with different drivers across series and seasons, and why teams negotiate carefully to retain or acquire sought-after identifiers.
Number 23 in Lower Series and Developmental Paths
Beyond Cup, number 23 appears in Xfinity and Truck Series, often with emerging drivers gaining experience. In the Truck Series, drivers like Grant Enfinger have shown that winning is possible under the 23 banner, building momentum for future opportunities. In Xfinity, part-time uses of 23 allow teams to experiment with talent while leveraging the number’s fan recognition.
These lower series runs can serve as stepping stones, giving drivers and teams a pathway to Cup, sometimes with the same iconic number as their guide.
Key Takeaways on Who Drives Number 23 in NASCAR
- Bubba Wallace is the primary driver of #23 in the Cup Series with 23XI Racing.
- Dale Jarrett established the number’s legacy in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- Number leasing allows different drivers in Xfinity and Truck series to use 23 temporarily.
- 23XI Racing’s co-ownership by Michael Jordan adds business and cultural weight to the program.
- Lower series drives keep the number visible and can develop future Cup talent under the 23 banner.
FAQ
Reader questions
Who drives number 23 in the NASCAR Cup Series today?
Bubba Wallace drives the #23 for 23XI Racing and serves as co-owner of the team.
Why is number 23 considered iconic in NASCAR?
It is famous because of Dale Jarrett’s championship success and consistent excellence in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Can other drivers wear number 23 in different NASCAR series?
Yes, in Xfinity and Truck Series, different drivers such as Anthony Alfredo and Grant Enfinger have used 23, sometimes leasing the number from Cup teams.
What does the ownership structure of 23XI Racing look like?
23XI Racing is co-owned by Bubba Wallace and Michael Jordan, blending sports and motorsport business in a high-profile partnership.