Jimmie Johnson Excited for Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Project

Published 09/22/2020, 11:40 AM EDT

Earlier today, Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan announced that they were setting up a new NASCAR team. The two have already nominated Bubba Wallace for their 1-car team and are eagerly waiting for 2021. And what’s more, Hendrick Motorsports legend, Jimmie Johnson, is also excited about their new venture.

In addition to him, the likes of Chase Briscoe tweeted about the news and seemed thrilled. A few others in the NASCAR community also reacted to the news, and it was generally positive.

This is BIG and I’m excited for everyone involved. https://t.co/9VNhEMCrQ0
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) September 22, 2020

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There was also an amusing exchange between golfer Bubba Watson and Hamlin. In jest, Watson asked if there was room for him to make it a double Bubba team.

It is also worth noting that Jordan will be the first African-American majority owner in NASCAR. Without a doubt, the stock car racing series will be in esteemed company in 2021.

Huge!! Big for @Nascar, @dennyhamlin and @BubbaWallace. Congrats to all involved 👍🏻 https://t.co/vEEB4cDrtO
— Matt Tifft (@matt_tifft) September 22, 2020

What next for Jimmie Johnson, Bubba Wallace, and Denny Hamlin?

Sadly, the 7-time Cup Series champion may not get a chance to be in the same paddock as Jordan. Jimmie Johnson is stepping away from full-time racing at the end of the current season.

Instead, he is set to race in the IndyCar series for the coming season. Johnson is already a record-setter and is tied with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt for the most Cup titles. Not many have come close to that tally.

Coming back to Bubba Wallace, he and Denny Hamlin are eager to close out the 2020 season. The latter is determined to bridge the gap to Kevin Harvick and try to challenge him for the crown.

Great news. Congratulations to all involved! Very cool to have Michael Jordan part of the sport as an owner with @DennyHamlin, and @BubbaWallace behind the wheel. Looking forward to 2021! https://t.co/hJBYHHBF2p
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) September 22, 2020

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This may seem difficult unless something dramatic happens in the remaining races. The next race for the NASCAR paddock is the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Talladega, Charlotte, Kansas, Texas, Martinsville, and Phoenix will close out the 2020 NASCAR Playoffs.

Once that happens, Bubba Wallace and Denny Hamlin can look to the future.

The six-time NBA champion is set to serve as the principal owner of the team. Meanwhile, Denny Hamlin will accept the role of a minority partner since he is driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

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THROWBACK: When Denny Hamlin Ran a Jordan Brand Truck and Bubba Wallace Won the Race

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Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports, having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR, Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1 driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino.