Michael Jordan just can’t stop. That is a fact. The Chicago Bulls legend isn’t only the owner of the Charlotte Hornets; since yesterday, he is also the owner of a NASCAR team. Partnering with Denny Hamlin, Jordan is starting a NASCAR team and he’ll sign the only black driver at NASCAR as his first driver.
Both Jordan and Hamlin shared statements at the same time, announcing they were signing Bubba Wallace.
“Historically, Nascar has struggled with diversity and there have been few Black owners,” Jordan said in his statement. “The timing seemed perfect as Nascar is evolving and embracing social change more and more.”
“I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing,” Jordan said.
OFFICIAL: Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner @DennyHamlin have formed a new NASCAR Cup Series race team that will begin competition for the 2021 season.
🔗: https://t.co/OWtqAXQ1XX pic.twitter.com/HPw692OZeA
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) September 22, 2020
Tonight, I’m excited to announce 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 @BubbaWallace. pic.twitter.com/nIJv0X6ZOX
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) September 22, 2020
MJ has been very active in helping black communities in recent months. Earlier this year, he pledged $100m over 10 years for initiatives combating systemic racism and this move is another strategy to educate more people.
Jordan is now the first Black principal owner of a full-time Cup team since Hall of Famer Wendell Scott drove his own race car in 495 races from 1961 to 1973. Scott is known for being the first and only black driver to win a race at the highest level (1964).
MJ keeps making moves and we can’t wait to see how personal things will get to him once he starts this new adventure in NASCAR.
