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Bubba Wallace’s New NASCAR Team Formed by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin

After leaving Richard Petty Motorsports, Bubba Wallace reportedly has a new team formed by NBA icon Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. The news about the partnership between Jordan and Hamlin surfaced on Monday night.

CBS reporter Jonathon Jones shared about the new team on Twitter. Jones tweeted: “News: Michael Jordan has partnered with Denny Hamlin to form a NASCAR team. Bubba Wallace, the only Black driver in NASCAR’s top series, will drive for the team starting in 2021.”

Michael Jordan and Bubba Wallace Release Statements on the New Team

Michael Jordan, 57, released a statement on the new partnership. He explains that he considered himself a NASCAR fan since he was a child.

“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,” Jordan said. “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.”

The Chicago Bulls legend further writes about how the timing feels right to own a NASCAR team. “Historically, NASCAR has struggled with diversity and there have been few Black owners,” Jordan said. “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.”

Furthermore, Bubba Wallace penned his own statement to express his excitement about driving for the newly formed team. The 26-year-old NASCAR star calls it a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” as well as a “great fit” for his future.

Wallace explains that he looks forward to being on the same team as two “competitors” like Michael and Denny. “Both Michael and Denny are great competitors and are focused on building the best team they possibly can to go out and compete for race wins,” Wallace said.

In conclusion, he writes: “I’m grateful and humbled that Michael and Denny believe in me and I’m super pumped to begin this adventure with them.”