NASCAR world reacts to Michael Jordan becoming team owner with Bubba Wallace as his driver
Michael Jordan, the greatest basketball player ever, is now in the NASCAR game and his first move in his new sport is a great one as he’ll have Bubba Wallace as his team’s lone driver.
Jordan, who announced the move Monday night, added that Denny Hamlin will also be an owner of the team.
“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.”
Wallace, the only Black driver in the Cup Series, announced earlier this month that he would be leaving Richard Petty Motorsports at the end of this season.
Hamlin, who will remain the driver of the No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, released a statement of his own, saying, “Deciding on a driver was easy – it had to be Bubba Wallace.”
Twitter rightfully loved this news:
Great news for Bubba, great news for Denny, great news for NASCAR. MJ lifts all boats. https://t.co/wozDmLou7R
— Jay Busbee (@jaybusbee) September 22, 2020
Big time moves in NASCAR I see…
— Antonio Williams (@A_B_Williams26) September 22, 2020
"NASCAR Team Owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin." pic.twitter.com/mqHBHjPHqo
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) September 22, 2020
Great news for @BubbaWallace and a forward-thinking move by Michael Jordan, who has been criticized for not using his notoriety to effect social change. https://t.co/chceOkmGKk
— Erik Wilkinson (@FreelanceErik) September 22, 2020
Michael Jordan Motorsports has a great sounding name https://t.co/giGrm84Lho
— Nathan (@b1gnate_11) September 22, 2020
Michael Jordan. The
of basketball owning a NASCAR Cup Series team with Denny Hamlin. Bubba Wallace as their driver. Huge moment for the sport.#NASCAR
— Kobe Lambeth (@KobeLambeth) September 22, 2020
BRUH
HUGE!!!!
— Brett Wiseman (@broadcastbrett) September 22, 2020
Shoutout Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Bubba Wallace
— Cale Yuzdepski (@CaleYuzdepski) September 22, 2020