They are invading Nascar. Michael Jordan is now a Nascar owner. Bubba Wallace will be his driver

[tulipsandroses]

Oh snap! This could be huge! Greatest basketball player of all time entering the Nascar Arena.

Michael Jordan Becomes NASCAR's 1st Black Principal Owner In Nearly 50 Years–and Bubba Wallace Is His Driver

Earlier this month, Bubba Wallace raised eyebrows when he announced his decision to cut ties with Richard Petty Motorsports after three seasons. And for those curious about his next move, the wait is officially over.

According to NASCAR, on Monday, Michael Jordan announced that he’ll be joining forces with three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin to form a NASCAR Cup Series team—and (SURPRISE!!!!) Wallace will be its driver.

“Growing up in North Carolina, my parents would take my brothers, sisters and me to races, and I’ve been a NASCAR fan my whole life,” His Airness said in a statement. “The opportunity to own my own racing team in partnership with my friend, Denny Hamlin, and to have Bubba Wallace driving for us, is very exciting for me. 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 as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for Black people in racing.”

[link:https://www.theroot.com/michael-jordan-becomes-nascars-1st-black-principal-owne-1845139705|



Michael Jordan's the highest-profile Black team owner in NASCAR history (heck, he's the highest profile, period) ... but driver Jesse Iwuji says he's far from the last, 'cause the sports about to get a lot more diverse!

... and that's super important for an organization that has historically lacked diversity within its ranks.

TMZ Sports talked to Xfinity series star Jesse Iwuji -- a 33-year-old African American driver -- about the impact MJ's arrival will have on NASCAR.


"I think that was huge! Especially just with NASCAR looking to continue to expand diversity and really showcase to people around the world that, 'Hey NASCAR just isn't just a one-sided type sport," Iwuji says.

Jesse continued ... "We include all. We're here for inclusion, we're all about making sure that it's an open environment so no matter what color you are, no matter what religion, gender it doesn't matter, NASCAR is open to everything. It's really cool to see that diversity come in."

Iwuji says he expects -- and has some inside insight -- that other minorities will be following MJ's lead, and entering the racing world.

][link:https://www.tmz.com/2020/09/22/michael-jordan-nascar-team-jesse-iwuji-driver-bubba-wallace-denny-hamlin/|

[sheshe2]

1. Boom!

Michael Jordan and Bubba Wallace team up.

Donnie won't be happy.

[VarryOn]

2. My guilty pleasure is NASCAR...

and there's a lot not to like about it... namely most of the fans and rampant racism. I'm a sports fan who doesn't like politics involved in my entertainment, and I especially hate the Nascar/ Republican friendship. They just need to drive the cars without having Trump making a lap in his limo, like he did at the Daytona 500 this year.

The banning of the Confederate flag this year was huge. I was happy to see the vast majority of fans to be good with the decision. And when a couple cars honored BLM.

I love stock car racing, and I think millions more would like it too, if they would watch it. But, understandably, most won't because of Nascar's reputation. Thankfully, we are seeing incremental changes. Michael Jordan making a huge investment will only be great for the sport. And if Bubba Wallace can finally get good equipment, he could do wonders for Nascar's image.

Thanks for indulging me to discuss my favorite sport!

[mwooldri]

3. I like the idea of more diverse NASCAR.

Heck I'd like to see more diversity in Formula 1 too. Women drivers too.

[mitch96]

4. I always wondered what the poor old rednecks would do if all the sportsman/women of color

decided not to play their game for a while. I read where modern sports has 70% POC (YMMV).
Talk about leverage!! USE IT..

[Trumpocalypse]

5. Good

Back in the 90s we called nascar the last bastion of the confederacy.

[Klaralven]

6. Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin to field NASCAR Cup car with Bubba Wallace driving

https://www.espn.com/racing/nascar/story/_/id/29941120/michael-jordan-denny-hamlin-field-nascar-cup-car-bubba-wallace-driving

[uncle ray]

7. i fear it's just resegregating NASCAR.

i think part of Bubba's power was that he drove for a well-known white owned team, and had full support.

this type of situation has played out over and over in motorsport.

good for them, i wish them the best!

[mitch96]

8. "drove for a well-known white owned team"

And what a message that they would send if they WON A LOT!!
m

[Klaralven]

9. The new team is still connected to Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs Racing - they might win a lot

Joe Gibbs organization and Toyota engineering have been successful. NASCAR cars are hand built from the ground up by specialty shops.