Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, a NASCAR driver, have joined forces to begin their own NASCAR team. The six-time NBA Finals superstar is aiming to have the team completely put together by early 2021. While Jordan is the primary owner of the team, Hamlin will act as a minority partner. The NASCAR team is officially the first Black majority-owned full-time racing team since Wendell Scott, who raced his car in the NASCAR Cup Series from the ’60s to ’70s.
The NASCAR team includes Bubba Wallace, who has been recognized by The Musial Awards for their extraordinary character, poise, and sportsmanship. Hamlin announced the decision to choose Wallace as their driver on social media on Monday night.
Michael Jordan, in a statement, said: “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 to me.” Throughout history, NASCAR has struggled with diversity, inclusion, and tolerance. However, Jordan says that “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”.
