Michael Jordan enters motoring with a Nascar team

A través de un anuncio publicado la noche del lunes en Twitter, Denny Hamlin dijo que él y el propietario de los Charlotte Hornets de la NBA, Michael Jordan, alinearán a un equipo, aún sin nombre, a partir de la temporada 2021 dentro de la división Cup de NASCAR, y donde Wallace será el piloto tras firmar un contrato de varios años.

"While we played golf, Michael and I talked about starting a racing team, but the moment or circumstances were never correct," said Hamlin, 39 years.

“It makes sense to start laying the foundations for what I want to do after my career as a pilot ends.This will also serve to help a promising pilot such as Bubba, whom we can lead to the next level.In addition, Michael and Bubba can be a powerful voice together, not only in our sport, but also beyond ”.

Jordan will be the main owner of the new team with Hamlin as a minority partner while continuing to the controls of Toyota Camry no.11 Joe Gibbs Racing.

Hamlin and Jordan reported that they bought the equipment registration no.13 of Germain Racing to make sure they can participate in all calendar races.

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"Growing up in North Carolina, it was normal for my parents to take my brothers, sisters and me to the races, so I have been a fan of Nascar all my life," Jordan said."I am excited to be the opportunity to own my own racing team in society with my friend Denny Hamlin, and have Bubba Wallace driving for us".

“Historically, Nascar has suffered lack of diversity and there have been few black owners.The moment seemed perfect since Nascar is evolving and adapting to social change.In addition to the recent commitment I have made to combat systemic racism, I see this as an opportunity to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for African Americans in the world of careers ”.

The name, the car number, the manufacturer, the sponsors and other details of the new equipment will be announced on a next date.

Several sources told Motorsport.com that the team is considering using the number 23, the number Jordan used in his shirt for most of his career as a player with the Chicago Bulls.

"This is a unique opportunity in life, which I think fits very well for me at this time in my career," Wallace said, the only full -time African -American pilot in the CUP.

“Both Michael and Denny are great competitors and are focused on forming the best possible team to compete for victories.I am grateful and honored that Michael and Denny believe in me and I am very excited to start this adventure with them ".

Wallace, who announced on September 10 that he would not return to Richard Petty Motorsports next season, has been one of the leaders in Nascar in terms of protests of racial injustice during the summer throughout the country.

Recently he has signed several important sponsorship agreements, including Beats By Dre, Columbia Sportswear, Dordash and Cash APP.