Michael Jordan is launching his own NASCAR team and he already signed Bubba Wallace, the only POC driver on stock car racing’s top circuit and also the most coveted free agent of sport.
The NBA legend made the announcement on Monday, saying he is starting the one-car team with Denny Hamlin.
Jordan, 57, said in a statement: “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.”
Hamlin also released his own statement and wrote: “Tonight, I’m excited to announce that 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 Bubba 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. He deserves the opportunity to compete for race wins and our team will make sure he has the resources to do just that.”
Hamlin continued: “Off the track, Bubba has been a loud voice for change in our sport and our country. MJ and I support him fully in those efforts and stand beside him.”
Wallace, 27, has gained attention as an activist and he successfully pushed NASCAR to ban the Confederate flag at its events.
A native of Alabama, Wallace has professed to being a Michael Jordan fan. Wallace wrote on Twitter in response to documentary on the 1997-1998 Chicago Bulls: “Man if The Last Dance didn’t make you wanna run thru a brick wall after each episode then you ain’t living right!!!!!”
NASCAR also welcomed Jordan to the series, saying: “His presence at NASCAR’s top level will further strengthen the competition, excitement and momentum growing around our sport.”
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