CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Michael Jordan took his own advice and just did it: The NBA legend formed his own NASCAR organization, and he expects the foundation will be in place to build racing’s version of a Dream Team centered around Bubba Wallace.
Air Jordan has some company on the celebrity starting grid, though, after rapper Pitbull bought his own piece of a NASCAR team. When the 2021 Cup Series season officially opens with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14, “Mr. Worldwide” could have fans – up to 30,000 of them at Daytona International Speedway – shouting “Dale!”
“There’s no better time to be involved in NASCAR,” said Pitbull, who was attracted to the sport by the 1990 movie “Days of Thunder” and is now partnered with new team Trackhouse Racing, which along with Mexican driver Daniel Suarez provides a platform to reach a broader audience.
“In the same way that music is a universal language, I also see NASCAR as a universal language,” Pitbull added. “Everybody loves a fast car and a great story.”
The fan favorites extend well beyond the owner’s box. Chase Elliott, NASCAR’s most popular driver, is also the reigning Cup Series champion, and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin – who helped usher MJ into the sport – has kids asking about his PJs in a national commercial tagline he can’t shake.