Michael Jordan To Start New NASCAR Team, Secures Bubba Wallace As 1st Driver

Michael Jordan, Bubba Wallace

Michael Jordan To Start New NASCAR Team, Secures Bubba Wallace As 1st Driver

Michael Jordan is taking his talents to NASCAR, and teaming up with Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace. 

Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin announced that they’re launching a single-car NASCAR Cup Series for next year’s season, and Bubba Wallace is slated to be their first driver.

Michael Jordan wrote in a statement:

“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 continued and expressed the importance of NASCAR having more Black owners.

“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 chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing.”

Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin also released a statement on social media.

The news comes after Bubba Wallace, who is the only Black NASCAR driver, parted ways with the Richard Petty Motorsports team earlier this month following reports that a noose was found in his garage. While the FBI said it was just a rope, Bubba Wallace insisted it was indeed a noose. He said during an interview:

“I’ve been racing all my life. We’ve raced out of hundreds of garages and never had garage pulls like that… It’s a straight up noose… I can confirm that. I’ve actually gotten evidence of what was hanging in my garage to confirm that it was a noose; never seen anything like it.”

Bubba Wallace also made a statement on joining forces with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.

What are your thoughts on Michael Jordan & Denny Hamlin’s new team with Bubba Wallace? Comment and let us know!