Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin have teamed up to form a NASCAR team led by Bubba Wallace. The trio introduced the news to the public with coordinated social media posts on Monday night.
“Historically, NASCAR has struggled with diversity, and there have been few Black owners,” Jordan stated.
“The timing seemed perfect, as NASCAR is evolving and embracing social change more and more.”
Jordan’s move makes him the first principal owner of a full-time NASCAR Cup team since Wendell Scott in 1973. The only minority owner at the cup level is his former University North Carolina teammate, Brad Daugherty.
“I think it’s a pretty dynamic trio with Michael, Denny and Bubba,” Daugherty said.
“They’re going to be like rock stars.”
Former @NBA All-Stars, now @NASCAR team owners.@BradDaugherty43 // @Jumpman23 (Pic from 1991) pic.twitter.com/VvahPEXmBf
— #NASCARPlayoffs on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 22, 2020
This is not the first time Jordan has ventured into sports ownership. He currently serves as the principal owner of the Charlotte Hornets. He also led a superbike team at one point.
“He had a (Superbike) team for a long time and loved that. He understands it’s a different business model,” Daugherty said.
Jordan’s involvement will also be a positive for NASCAR as it looks to build on its newly launched inclusion efforts.
“His presence at NASCAR’s top level will further strengthen the competition, excitement and momentum growing around our sport,” NASCAR stated.
