Bubba Wallace was three years old when NBA legend Michael Jordan teamed up with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck in the hit Hollywood movie, Space Jam.
Three decades later, Jordan co-owns the NASCAR Cup Series team that Wallace drives for, 23XI Racing. To commemorate the movie’s anniversary, one of Wallace’s sponsors — trading card and sports collectibles company Upper Deck — is throwing a Space Jam paintscheme on his No. 23 Toyota for the eero 400 at the Chicagoland Speedway on July 5. The car will be washed in an interstellar purple with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck on the hood and an Upper Deck logo on the side.
“This collaboration brings together the cultural impact of Space Jam, the energy of NASCAR, and the passion of collectors in a truly unique way,” said Jason Masherah, President of Upper Deck. “This is a massive celebration of fandom – Space Jam is an iconic movie that spans multiple generations, and we’re excited to capture what fans love most about the film and share it across Upper Deck brands.”
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Wallace — the only Black driver racing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series — will also wear a Space Jam inspired helmet and firesuit. Lionel will also produce a limited edition diecast of the car.
“We look forward to bringing the fun and nostalgia of Space Jam to the track at Chicagoland through this unique collaboration,” said Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI. “Our partnership with Upper Deck continues to result in one-of-a-kind memorabilia that expands well beyond just the racetrack, allowing 23XI to reach both current and new audiences.”
More: What does Michael Jordan own? NBA star’s NASCAR team wins Daytona 500
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
(Grant Halverson, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
(Grant Halverson, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan greets fans prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe’s Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 19, 2007.
(CHRIS KEANE, REUTERS)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordon high-fives the crowd during pre-race ceremonies prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.
(John Harrelson, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to a crew member in the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 6, 2021 in Sonoma, California.
(Maddie Meyer, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics CBD 325 at Pocono Raceway on June 26, 2021 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
(Sean Gardner/23XI Racing, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 8, 2021 in Watkins Glen, New York.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan walks pit road with his wife Yvette Prieto during qualifying for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, 2022 in Nashville.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan talks with driver Ty Dillon (42) on pit road during qualifying for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, 2022.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick’s paint job with colors from UNC and sponsor Michael Jordan during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29, 2023 in Concord, North Carolina.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Team 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan looks on from pit road during qualifying before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023.
(Christopher Hanewinckel, Imagn Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing (R), crew chief Robert Barker (C) and former NFL player Dwight Freeney talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
(Logan Riely, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota, on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 14, 2023 in Las Vegas.
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
(Jasen Vinlove, Imagn Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
The 2024 regular season champion, Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Upper Deck Toyota, poses with 23XI Racing’s Curtis Polk, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan after the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
(Meg Oliphant, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan talk on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrate after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing speaks, to Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
(James Gilbert, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona.
(Sean Gardner, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
23XI Raching team owner Michael Jordan watches Tyler Reddick during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 6, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
(Jim Dedmon, Imagn Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Aug. 31, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
(Jared C. Tilton, Getty Images)
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Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, listens to the race on pit road during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 5, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina.
(Jordan Bank, Getty Images)
This isn’t the first time a piece of pop culture influenced by Jordan has appeared on one of his race cars. In the 2024 street course race in Chicago, Tyler Reddick’s No. 45 Toyota’s paint scheme borrowed from the iconic 1985 Nike poster for the original Air Jordan sneakers.
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This also is of course not the first time a Looney Tunes character has appeared on a NASCAR machine. In the 2000 Daytona 500, Dale Earnhardt ditched his traditional black Goodwrench scheme for a red one featuring Taz on the hood. In a 2002 Busch Series race, Dale Earnhardt Jr. raced with Gossamer — the big orange monster — on his hood and took the car to victory lane at Richmond.
Paying homage to Jordan is fitting for a race in Chicago, where he won six NBA titles with the Bulls.
NASCAR’s top-level Cup Series hasn’t raced at Chicagoland since 2019, where Wallace finished 25th in the No. 43 Chevrolet for Richard Petty Motorsports. Wallace has fared well there in lower series, finishing third in a 2015 O’Reilly Auto Parts race and sixth in a 2014 Truck Series race.
Wallace has notched a pair of top-five finishes in the past three weeks, finishing third at Michigan and second at Naval Base Coronado. The Alabama native is currently 11th in the point standings heading into this weekend’s race at Sonoma, searching for his first win since last season’s Brickyard 400.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team to have a ‘Space Jam’ themed car driven by Bubba Wallace
