Michael Jordan got involved with NASCAR when Denny Hamlin approached him to partner up for 23XI Racing. Ever since then, the NBA legend has made his way to some races to see how his team is doing. Despite being a co-owner of the team, Jordan isn’t one to attend every race, but when he does make it to the circuits, it always gets fans excited.
Although Michael Jordan showed up at Daytona this weekend, the fans did not give the expected reaction. There was another famous name around the circuits, and that ended up taking some of the spotlight away from Jordan. In fact, the surprise guest happened to be with 23XI Racing itself, taking pictures for Jordan’s team.
Ken Griffey Jr. attends the Coke Zero Sugar 400
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The guest at the 23XI Racing garage was none other than Ken Griffey Jr., who decided to take on the role of photographer and capture shots for the team. All eyes were on the 13-time All-Star when he showed up at Daytona with a camera to capture shots from the action. After retiring from the MLB in 2010, Griffey Jr. took on photography to stay connected with the sports world.
Polls of the day Poll 1 of 4 Who stole the show at Daytona: Michael Jordan or Ken Griffey Jr.? Michael Jordan Ken Griffey Jr. Both equally Neither Have an interesting take? Join Debate Do you think NASCAR is doing enough to ensure driver safety? Yes No Not sure Have an interesting take? Join Debate Do you agree with Justin Marks’ decision to reject Shane van Gisbergen for the Cup Series? Absolutely Not at all Maybe, but it’s complicated I need more information Have an interesting take? Join Debate Do you think NASCAR’s $544 million profit from Fontana’s rejection will influence future race locations? Absolutely Not at all Maybe Only time will tell Have an interesting take? Join Debate
Over the years, he has made quite a name for himself, and aside from sports, he also has a portfolio of wildlife photography. Before his celebrity appearance at the Daytona International Speedway, the consecutive home run record holder had captured many sports, from the NFL to soccer.
At the Daytona International Speedway, 23-year-old Harrison Burton secured his career’s first NASCAR Cup Series victory. This win was important not only to the driver but to the team too, which celebrated the 100th win for Wood Brothers Racing.
In the chaotic Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona, cars driven by Josh Berry, Michael McDowell, Joey Logano, Justin Haley, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, and Corey LaJoie were all involved in wrecks. Among them, it was only Bubba Wallace who finished within the top 10 at P6 after his car was in the pit for repairs.
This is not the first time Griffey Jr. made an appearance at a NASCAR race, as he had the honor of driving the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 back on May 26, 2024. Catching Griffey Jr. at the circuit had many fans excited, as the news was shared on X. It did not take long for the comment section to start filling up with fans who couldn’t contain their excitement.
Fans enjoying the hype of catching Griffey Jr. at Daytona
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It’s always fun to see legends from one sport get involved with another, and that’s what the comments section resonated with. One fan called Griffey Jr. the greatest of all time, as he made it big in the MLB world before becoming a photographer. The comment read, “Goat… #24Griffey… #24Griffey Jr.”
“It has been reported for years that the kid is now doing photography for sporting events,” said one fan who has been following Griffey Jr.’s photography career. While Griffey Jr. became a household name in the world of baseball, he is still getting his name out there as a photographer.
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Many people call Griffey Jr. a legend for everything that he accomplished as an MLB athlete. However, this fan believes that being called legendary is not enough; as they commented, “Legendary seems diminutive.”
via Getty MIAMI, FL—MARCH 21: Hitting Coach Ken Griffey Jr. #24 of Team USA looks on during batting practice prior to the 2023 World Baseball Classic Championship game between Team USA and Team Japan at Loan Depot Park on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/WBCI/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
This fan related Griffey Jr.’s interest in photography to how Randy Johnson took the same path after retiring as the best pitcher in the MLB for five years in a row. The comment read, “Taking after Randy Johnson, I see.”
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Unlike most of the fans who are following Griffey Jr.’s photography career, there was a confused fan wondering where the MLB legend’s bat went and why there was a camera in his hand. Out of curiosity, the fan asked, “Why was Griffey there to take pictures?”
Have you checked out Ken Griffey Jr.’s photography work? Share your thoughts in the comments below.