Michael Jordan is teaming up with Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion.
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AP) Bubba Wallace was more a fan of Michael Jordan from ‘Space Jam’ than watching the NBA.
He was just a kid when Jordan was in his early days with Chicago, so it looked like Wallace was more fascinated by MJ shooting with Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck than with the Bulls.
Jordan was a showman, an NBA team owner and a tequila connoisseur – and on Sunday, with Wallace at the helm, he makes his official debut as a NASCAR team owner with 23XI Racing in the Daytona 500.
Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion, may have more nerves than Wallace on the eve of NASCAR’s biggest race.
“It’s pretty funny,” Wallace said. The Associated Press on Saturday. ‘It’s like their little kid chasing there, I do not know. I’m like, you guys are nervous, I’m just ready to go here. ”
The 27-year-old Wallace has answered countless questions about how Jordan has been since the team’s founding was announced late last year.
It was quite difficult to answer: due to the coronavirus pandemic, Jordan and Wallace had never met. Jordan, who won six NBA championships during a Hall of Fame career, hit the city this week and was spotted in an outdoor club.
Wallace was in awe when he met the man responsible for leading Tune Squad to their freedom with a last-second victory over the Monstars in the 1996 film. Wallace, Hamlin and Jordan all filmed a promotion that would air on Fox before the race on Sunday.
“When he walked into the room, it was like, ‘Oh wow, that’s right,'” Wallace said.
It’s time for the bowels.
Wallace is the only black full-time driver at NASCAR’s highest level, and in June successfully demanded that the series ban the confederate flags’ racetracks. His activism attracted the attention of America, which has raised enough funding through five companies to sponsor the entire Cup season.
Wallace has managed the iconic number 43 for Richard Petty Motorsports for the past three seasons, a team that has struggled to compete at the highest levels due to sponsorship. As Wallace’s profile expanded, he was able to raise funds that were linked to him and could move with him.
Wallace is unbeaten in the beginning of the 112 career, all on RPM. His runner-up in the Daytona 500 in 2018 was the best finish by a black rider in the race.
Wallace flashed at Speedweeks in the number 23 Toyota – yes, the old Bulls number of Jordan – and was the only training session this week. He starts sixth Sunday and even Hamlin, who drives for rival Joe Gibbs Racing, may want to switch cars.
“Our car is super fast. It is one of the fastest cars in the garage, ”said Wallace.
No plans were perfect amid the pandemic.
The Daytona 500 is usually a who’s who to see actors, musicians and other famous athletes, working around the starting grid and creating a party scene like no other in the sport.
NASCAR fans and media would have crowded Wallace’s car in the last hour before the race in hopes of getting a look at or a photo with Jordan. But COVID-19 protocols will prevent Jordan from going to the pit no. 23 to watch.
“With COVID, it was quite a raid,” said Mike Wheeler, crew member of 23XI.
Wheeler appreciates the benefits of working for Jordan – such as owning the most beautiful swag (“our beautiful shoes, fancy equipment”) in the garage.
But MJ will still get a seat at Daytona International Speedway.
He’s also humble enough that he’s like, ‘OK, that’s good. I’ll just hang out, ” Wheeler said. ‘I think he wants to sit on the pix box next week. But this week in Daytona we look out of the suites. ”
Scott is still the only black rider to have won a trophy. Wallace has won the Truck Series six times and knows – relaxed or not ahead of Jordan – that it’s time to win.
“I just know the opportunity is there and what’s going on,” Wallace said.