NBA stars, including LaMelo Ball, take on NASCAR pit crew challenge with Michael Jordan-led 23XI Racing

In a unique crossover between the NBA and NASCAR, several Charlotte Hornets star players, including LaMelo Ball, recently swapped the basketball court for the pit road to participate in a special NASCAR pit crew challenge hosted by NBA legend Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing. The challenge was held at Airspeed, a training facility near Charlotte.

Jordan is the main man behind the NASCAR and NBA crossover. LaMelo Ball and his Hornets teammates got the chance to experience the reality of NASCAR’s high-speed pit stop. When they tried their hands at it, Ball and his teammates got the reality check of how pit stop work is far more daunting than it appears from the stands.

On Instagram, 23XI Racing shared a video of the Charlotte Hornets pit crew challenge with a caption:

“We’ll let them stick to their day jobs. Thanks for stopping by Airspeed, @hornets.”

LaMelo Ball and other Hornets players took part in the pit crew challenge. They also performed simulated pit stops, including tire changes and refueling drills.

23XI Racing currently fields three full-time Cup Series rides for Bubba Wallace, Riley Herbst, and Tyler Reddick. The Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan-owned team is working hard to join the ranks of Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports.

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Who is NBA star LaMelo Ball? All you need to know

LaMelo Ball is a 23-year-old NBA athlete who plays for the Charlotte Hornets as a point guard. Known for his flashy playmaking, scoring ability, and basketball IQ, Ball has quickly become one of the most exciting young stars in the league.

Born in Chino Hills in 2001, California, Ball grew up in a basketball-centric family. He is the youngest of three brothers; his older siblings are Lonzo Ball, an NBA player for the Chicago Bulls, and LiAngelo Ball, who has played in various professional leagues. Their father, LaVar Ball, is a prominent figure in the basketball world and played a significant role in shaping their careers.

The Anaheim, California, native basketball player gained widespread attention as a high school player at Chino Hills High School, where he played alongside his brothers Lonzo and LiAngelo and won a state championship. His deep three-point shots and unique playing style went viral, making him a social media sensation.

LaMelo was selected third overall by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2020 NBA Draft. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2021. The following year, he was named an NBA All-Star.