NBA legend Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin are forming a new NASCAR Cup Series race team that will begin competing in the 2021 season. Star driver Bubba Wallace has reportedly signed a multi-year deal to drive for Jordan's team, per NBA.com.
Jordan, a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls and currently the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, will serve as principal owner of the team.
“Growing up in North Carolina, my parents would take my brothers, sisters and me to races, and I've been a NASCAR fan my whole life,” Michael Jordan said in a statement.
“The opportunity to own my own racing team in partnership with my friend, Denny Hamlin, and to have Bubba Wallace driving for us, is very exciting for me. Historically, NASCAR has struggled with diversity and there have been few Black owners. The timing seemed perfect as NASCAR is evolving and embracing social change more and more. 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.”
Jordan becomes the first Black majority owner of a full-time race team in NASCAR’s premier series since the 1960s.
The name and car number of Jordan's team will be announced at a future date.
Jordan, universally recognized as the greatest player in NBA history, played for the Bulls and Washington Wizards during his professional basketball career. He won six Finals MVPs with the Bulls and five regular-season MVP awards.
Jordan continues to show he's the GOAT, both on and off the court.
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