Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin are "starting a single-car racing team that will feature Bubba Wallace as the driver for the 2021 Cup season." Jordan will be "principal owner of the new team with Hamlin as a minority partner while he continues to drive the No. 11 Toyota Camry for Joe Gibbs Racing." Jordan will be "one of two Black team owners in NASCAR’s top level," joining former NBAer Brad Daugherty, owner of JTG Daugherty Racing. No details have "yet been settled on the new team’s manufacturer, name, car number or sponsor." Toyota is the manufacturer for JGR and is "expected to back the new team, which will have an alliance with the Gibbs organization." The new team will reportedly "purchase Germain Racing’s charter" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/22).
Jordan on the decision to choose Wallace said, "When (Hamlin) told me there was a possibility of getting Bubba Wallace, I’m saying, ‘OK, this is perfect!’ If I’m getting involved in NASCAR, then get a Black driver (with) a Black owner.” Jordan is "interested in the team bearing No. 23," but Wallace will "have the final say on that" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 9/22).
