Michael Jordan’s next great jump has him heading over to NASCAR, as it was announced Monday night that he will partner with veteran driver Denny Hamlin to start their own team in the Cup Series — with Bubba Wallace selected to drive the car.

Wallace is the only black driver at NASCAR’s highest level, while Jordan joins another former Tar Heel basketball legend–Brad Daugherty–as just the second black owner.

Earlier this year, Wallace captured the attention of the nation for speaking out against racism in the sport. His efforts ultimately led NASCAR to ban the confederate flag from all of its events.

Wallace also gained numerous sponsorship deals with that attention, with reports saying he has up to $18 million of sponsorship money coming with him to his new team.

Jordan said he grew up going to races and has been a NASCAR fan his whole life, while also noting that, “I see this as a chance to educate a new audience and open more opportunities for black people in racing.”

Although Wallace is winless in 105 starts at the Cup Series level, he has been driving a mid-tier car for Richard Petty Motorsports which has struggled with sponsorships–something that will not be an issue with Jordan and Hamlin running the show.

“This is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I believe is a great fit for me at this point in my career,” Wallace said. “I am grateful and humbled that they believe in me, and I’m super pumped to begin this adventure with them.”

A three-time Daytona 500 champion with numerous wins on his resume, Hamlin still intends to drive the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing as he seeks his first series title. It is expected that Wallace’s car will receive equipment from both Toyota and Joe Gibbs.

“Bubba has shown tremendous improvement since joining the Cup Series, and we believe he’s ready to take his career to a higher level,” Hamlin said. “He deserves the opportunity to compete for race wins, and our team will make sure he has the resources to do just that.

“Off the track, Bubba has been a loud voice for change in our sport and our country,” he added. “MJ and I support him fully in those efforts and stand beside him.”

 

Photo via Todd Melet

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