Longtime Hendrick Motorsports Member Jon Carvin Joins Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing as Pit Crew Coach

Jon Carvin, who spent nearly a decade as the head pit crew coach at Rick Hendrick’s Hendrick Motorsports (HMS), has joined 23XI Racing, the NASCAR team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan. The move was initially reported by Bozi Tatarevic, a writer for Road and Track.

23XI Racing is taking a new approach to building its pit crew, moving away from relying on Joe Gibbs Racing and opting to develop its own in-house team. This change is being implemented for the 2025 season.

Tatarevic noted on X (formerly Twitter) that Carvin’s presence on the Martinsville roster indicates his new role as pit crew coach. Carvin’s extensive experience at Hendrick Motorsports, following his transition from coaching football, makes him a valuable addition.

Last year, 23XI Racing’s pit crews struggled with consistency, prompting team co-owner Denny Hamlin to emphasize the importance of experience for the upcoming season. To that end, the team has brought in veteran members from top-tier organizations, including Hendrick Motorsports, Team Penske, Richard Childress Racing, and Joe Gibbs Racing.

Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick’s pit crews have been completely revamped with fresh lineups, consisting of members who were largely not with 23XI Racing the previous year.

The team is experimenting with a faster pit stop style that involves reassigning the right-side front changer to the rear left tire and the rear changer to the left front. This strategy aims to shave seconds off pit stops, but any errors could result in a loss of crucial track position.

The article also touches on Rick Hendrick’s lifelong passion for racing, which began with drag racing before expanding to the Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Truck Series. In addition to founding Hendrick Motorsports and co-owning JR Motorsports, Hendrick also owns the Hendrick Automotive Group, a major car dealership chain.

Hendrick’s involvement in racing extends beyond NASCAR, as demonstrated by his recent partnership with McLaren Racing to support Kyle Larson’s attempt to complete “The Double” (racing the Indianapolis 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day).

With the addition of Jon Carvin and the revamped pit crews, 23XI Racing appears poised for more serious competition. The team’s next challenge is the Cook Out 400 race at Martinsville.