NBA legend, Michael Jordan will be doubling his Air Jordan enterprise to team up with a NASCAR legend, Denny Hamlin, to start his own racing team, with Bubba Wallace said to be the driver.
The announcement was made on Monday, when the duo unveiled their intention of kicking off a new, single car NASCAR Cup Series team for 2021, with Bubba being the first driver.
Michael writes, “Growing up in North Carolina, my parents would take my brothers, sisters & me to races, and I’ve been a NASCAR fan my whole life. The opportunity to own my own racing team in partnership w/my friend, Denny Hamlin, & to have Bubba Wallace driving for us, is very exciting for me.” He goes on to say that the timing seemed perfect to get more Black owners in NASCAR, which has historically struggled with diversity.
Michael Jordan further says, “In addition to the recent commitment and donations I have made to combat systemic racism, I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing.” Denny echoed that, saying him being the 1st Jordan sponsored driver led to the partnership, while explaining why BW was the perfect fit.
Meanwhile, Bubba, who left the Richard Petty Motorsports team earlier this year after the noose scandal that befell him m says it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he couldn’t pass up.
He adds, “Both Michael and Denny are great competitors & are focused on building the best team they possibly can to go out and compete for race wins. I’m grateful and humbled that Michael and Denny believe in me and I’m super pumped to begin this adventure with them.”
According to TMZ, Denny is said to have purchased the charter from Germain Racing, with MJ serving as the principal owner and Denny as a minority partner as he continues to drive for Joe Gibbs Racing. Bubba has been signed to a multi-year deal.
