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“Gentlemen, start your engines!” The famous NASCAR command echoed across the roaring expanse of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Sunday, October 12, like a war cry at the start of this year’s South Point 400. The atmosphere, already searing under the piercing Nevada sun, with the desert heat radiating off the asphalt, ignited into a frenzy, setting the stage for a high-octane event. Among the 38 teams on the starting grid, Michael Jordan’s high-profile NASCAR team 23XI Racing was not only hoping to take the checkered flag, but also wow fans with the unveiling of a new Jordan 11.
The AJXI “Mojave” is part of a larger Jordan Brand series celebrating Houston, Atlanta and Vegas with hyperlocal colorways designed in collaboration with neighborhood and city-specific partners. The eye-catching purple color scheme was directly inspired by the sunsets and desert hues of the City of Sin, making its exclusive Vegas debut on the feet of 23XI Racing champion Tyler Reddick and local influencer YPK.RAYE perfectly timed. “I love the shoes,” RAYE told Complex. “I think the 11s are probably my favorite Jordan; so having these, and especially in a good colorway, I’m definitely going to be wearing these a lot after today.”
The beloved AJXI silhouette is also the inspiration behind the latest wrap on Reddick’s 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Camry. The car, detailed in a bold purple, pink and black design, looked exceptionally sleek and distinctive, making #45 impossible to miss among the field. Reddick drove a hard-fought battle, spending most of the afternoon running at the front of the pack and maintaining the fight for first place. While he ultimately finished the day in a respectable fifth-place, there was no doubt he made the result look good, showcasing the vibrant “Mojave” wrap for all 400 miles. Jordan Brand invited Complex to Las Vegas to see the action up close and personal. You can check out the best bits from the track visit below.
It’s one thing looking at pictures of the AJXI “Mojave,” but seeing the exclusive kicks live in the flesh is a whole other experience. Designed in collaboration with neighborhood partners in Las Vegas, the purple colorway was inspired by the city’s desert landscape. On race day, only two pairs were on display at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and one of those was on the feet of 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick. “I love the colorway,” the two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion told Complex. “Since being a part of Jordan Brand, I think it’s the first time I’ve been given a true 11; not a low. So I was really excited about getting them this weekend.”
Not only did Reddick’s shoes get an upgrade, but his 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Toyota Camry also unveiled a brand new wrap inspired by the AJXI “Mojave.” The #45 car zipped around the track sporting an eye-catching blend of pinks, purples, blues and blacks with a beautiful candy-floss type gloss finish, and its iconic white Jumpman logos left no doubt which team it belonged to. Reddick himself had a fresh reaction to the design. “I actually didn’t get to see the car at Airspeed [23XI Racing HQ] this week,” he explained. “The first time I saw it was yesterday when I got to Vegas.” Adding that he’s always had a “fondness for purple race cars,” he noted the “Mojave” wrap “looks really good in the sun.”
NASCAR might have been around for over 75 years, but the sport is still welcoming new fans, including viral sensation YPK.RAYE. Known for his basketball theatrics on TikTok, the widely popular influencer was Jordan Brand’s special guest for the South Point 400. Visiting the team garage, the pit road, and even walking the track before the race, all while wearing the only other pair of AJXI “Mojaves,” he was fully immersed in the experience, even making several impromptu stops to take pictures with young fans excited to meet him. “I’m loving it,” he told Complex. “The environment is pretty cool. It’s not something I’m used to, but it’s definitely something I could get used to.”
Ever wondered what it takes to run a NASCAR team? Complex got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at race life after 23XI Racing rolled out the red (or “Mojave” purple) carpet at Las Vegas Speedway. From a peek inside the team’s garage and walking the grid, to watching the action from the team’s remote control center, and spending time with star driver Tyler Reddick, the crew were given an insight into every facet of the operation. They even toured the state-of-the-art hauler truck, which contains enough parts to rebuild a stock car from scratch — as well as housing a completely new car on its top deck. It was a perfect demonstration of how speed, innovation and culture collide on and off the NASCAR track.
This year’s South Point 400 had everything: multiple leaders, explosive crashes, safety car drama, and even some pit lane mayhem. And while it looked good from the stands, watching it from 23XI Racing’s pit area was an unforgettable experience. This ultimate immersive experience meant tracking Reddick’s speedy AJXI “Mojave”-wrapped car from the remote control center, listening in on live driver-to-team communication, and watching the crew service the vehicle in the pits. Believe it or not, the experience is “surprisingly really close” to what you see in movies like Days of Thunder and Talladega Nights, and that’s according to 23XI Director of Engagement & Impact, Kreig Robinson. Just like the first time you fly first class, watching a NASCAR race from the pit area is the ultimate upgrade — once you feel the speed trackside, the grandstands become coach. Your race day experience will never be the same.
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