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A free fan event in advance of Sunday’s Brickyard 400 NASCAR race will feature prominent hip-hop personality DJ Envy and drivers from a team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
DJ Envy, co-host of nationally syndicated radio show “The Breakfast Club,” will provide a soundtrack for “23XI Intersect,” scheduled 5-10 p.m. Friday at Morris Bicentennial Plaza north of Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Anyone who registers for 23XI Intersect online and attends the event will receive a voucher for a free ticket to Sunday’s race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, organizers said.
The 23XI team name is pronounced “23 11” and refers to jersey and car numbers associated with six-time NBA champion Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Hamlin.
Three 23XI drivers—Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick and Riley Herbst—are expected to attend the event.
“Since our founding five years ago, our team has been committed to growing motorsports and reaching fans wherever they may be,” said Jamie Ruiz, 23XI vice president of marketing, in a written statement. “Intersect is a great opportunity for 23XI to expose a wider audience to our team and racing.”
Attendees will have a chance to check out racing simulators and sample menu items from a McDonald’s food truck.
Indianapolis-based DJ Ferris Booler also will showcase tunes during the event, which features Gainbridge Fieldhouse in-arena game host Olivia West.
To register for the event, visit eventbrite.com.
Meanwhile, the 23XI team is entangled in a court battle with NASCAR. The Associated Press reported that the team filed a federal antitrust suit against the auto racing series, with a trial date set for Dec. 1.
During the current NASCAR season, 23XI lost its charter status—or membership linked to revenue opportunities and guaranteed placement in race lineups—and a judge denied the team’s bid for reinstatement.
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NASCAR & Hip Hop?
Yep, kind of a funny mix. Plus free McDonalds and free race tickets. Wonder who they’re trying to attract? Ha!