NASCAR Trio Included in Time 100 Most Influential Sports List

The influence of NASCAR may be on the rise. On Tuesday, Time Magazine released its 100 Most Influential People in Sports list for 2026. Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan, and Carson Hocevar are all included on the list.

The ownership duo at 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, are included as a pair on the list under the "Innovators" grouping. Hamlin has been racing at perhaps the highest level in his career. That's not to mention the role he plays as one of the faces of the sport, and the co-owner of 23XI. Oh, and that whole lawsuit that completely changed the sport.

Of course Jordan, who is perhaps still the most recognizable and celebrated American athlete alive, brings a different feel to the track when he's there on pit road. Jordan is probably a permanent fixture on lists like this, but 23XI Racing has helped redefine how things are done at the track, in the office, and in the courtroom, and much of that is thanks to his leadership.

As for Carson Hocevar, he was included in the "Leaders" category. It isn't just folks in NASCAR who are seeing Hocevar's star rise. The young and controversial driver got a nice write up for his post-race celebration at Talladega, but there are so many reasons why he should be included on the list.

It definitely helps that he has sponsors like Spectrum and Chili's and a team in Spire Motorsports eager to promote what they see as their franchise driver. The Hurricane continues to rip through the Cup Series.

It is great to see NASCAR owners and drivers making it on a list like this. Time's 100 lists are iconic, and NASCAR should have representation on the list as the United States' most popular motorsport.

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This story was originally published June 9, 2026 at 11:40 AM.