The NASCAR world has just been put on notice with the announcement of Michael Jordan, owner of the Charlotte Hornets, and future NASCAR Hall of Famer Denny Hamlin joining forces to create their own NASCAR team. Even more momentous, NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace has agreed to become the driver of the car for this new alliance.
The partnership was announced via social media by both men, with Hamlin tweeting, “Tonight, I’m excited to announce MJ and I are starting a new, single car @NASCAR Cup Series team for 2021. Deciding on a driver was easy – it had to be @BubbaWallace.”
The move makes Jordan the first black majority owner of a full-time Cup Series team in over 50 years. The last person to do so was Wendell Scott in the 1970s. However, Jordan does join partner of JTG Daugherty Racing and former NBA Player Brad Daugherty as the only black owners in Cup level. Jordan also pointed out that having Wallace drive for him was a crucial component in his reasoning.
“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,” 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.”
Hamlin also added, “Starting a race team has been something that Michael and I have talked about while playing golf together over the years, but the timing or circumstances were never really right,” Hamlin said. “It just makes sense now to lay the foundation for my racing career after I’m done driving and also help an up-and-coming driver like Bubba take his career to a higher level. Plus, Michael and Bubba can be a powerful voice together, not only in our sport, but also well beyond it.”
Hamlin also mentioned that Wallace’s performance behind the wheel was also a factor. Wallace has recorded 5 top-10 finishes but has been kept out of the winner circle in 105 Cup starts over four seasons while driving the No. 43 car for Richard Petty Motorsports. Unfortunately, the No. 43 car has only registered one win in the last 12 years and this past summer the Richard Petty team for the No. 43 car failed to gain a sponsor. Hamlin believes with his instruction and assistance from Joe Gibbs Racing Team and Toyota, the sky is the limit for Wallace.
“Bubba has shown tremendous improvement since joining the Cup Series, and we believe he’s ready to take his career to a higher level,” Hamlin wrote. “He deserves the opportunity to compete for race wins, and our team will make sure he has the resources to do just that.”
Wallace also seemed overjoyed with excitement saying, “This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career,” Wallace said. “I am grateful and humbled that they believe in me, and I’m super pumped to begin this adventure with them.”
NASCAR applauded the move as well in a statement release that welcomed Jordan to the sport, “His presence at NASCAR’s top level will further strengthen the competition, excitement and momentum growing around our sport.”
