Michael Jordan is officially a part of NASCAR.
Teaming up with Denny Hamlin to launch a new NASCAR team, MJ and Denny have signed Bubba Wallace as the team’s first (and only) driver. Which begs the obvious question… is Bubba gonna driver the #23 car next year?
According to CBS Sports, he just might.
A company called 2311 Racing LLC in North Carolina, c/o Jump DC, recently filed trademark applications for the number 23 and the name 23XI Racing. The suspicion, and one that would make a lot of sense, is that the new team name will be 23XI Racing and that Bubba will drive the #23 car.
However, in an interview with the Charlotte Observer, Jordan said that he would want Wallace to find his own identity and wouldn’t necessarily force him to have that number.
“It’s all going to be what Bubba wants. I’m not going to impose on him with my persona… At the end of the day, I want him to have his own identity. If he chooses to drive that number, great! If he chooses another number, that’s great as well.”
Stay tuned.
Joe Gibbs says his team is still working with Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan on an alliance deal but thinks Bubba Wallace will wind up driving a Toyota next season. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/uy89CLLq51
— Matt Mayer (@MatthewMayerCBS) October 7, 2020
In the meantime, Bubba is looking to play quarterback for the Tennessee Volunteers. And after yesterday’s ass-whooping by Kentucky, he might have a point.
Can’t be any worse…
Hell, put me in!!! pic.twitter.com/oGfKBcrmjg
— Bubba Wallace (@BubbaWallace) October 17, 2020
And sidenote: Casey Kirwin runs a Jordan-branded 23 car in the eNascar Coca-Cola iRacing series for Denny Hamlin Racing.
Too many mistakes tonight, had a top 8 in quali and messed it up in the final chicane so started p13. Knocked the wall down a few times and got a p9 out of it. Top 5 was possible but still a good points night. +16 to 21st now, onto Kansas.
📸 @justinmelillo pic.twitter.com/Rrvavto0EU— Casey Kirwan (@CaseyKirwan23) October 14, 2020
