feature-image

Getty

feature-image

Getty

Over the past couple of years, NASCAR and NFL have joined together on a few occasions. Now, the latest partnership involves NASCAR Truck Series driver Jesse Iwuji and NFL Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith. Together, the duo will soon establish the Jesse Iwuji Motorsports team for the 2022 Xfinity Series season.

Watch What’s Trending Now!

In addition to the Xfinity project, Iwuji and Smith will turn to the Esports arena for promotional reasons. The two of them aim to resonate with lower-income communities and improve their way of life.

ADVERTISEMENT

He said, “We can all go out and try to compete for that, but what are we doing outside of that to create some type of long-lasting legacy, something that creates opportunity and a pathway. A pipeline for people to get in the sport. Whether they want to drive, be part of the industry in general, crew chief, engineers.

“Whatever it is, we want to figure out different ways to expose people to the sport and do it with having the assets on the race team.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Apparently, Jesse Iwuji and Emmitt Smith met through the former’s agent. Additionally, one of Smith’s companies, Notable Live, sponsored Iwuji’s #99 car in the Xfinity Series race in Texas. Around that time, he convinced Smith to enter the NASCAR arena as co-owner.

Who is NASCAR driver Jesse Iwuji?

A former U.S. Navy Reserve, the 34-year-old has five Xfinity Series races under his belt. In addition to that, he also boasts of 14 Camping World Truck Series starts over a span of four years. The Carrollton native has also played some college football in his youth and was a big fan of Emmitt Smith.

ADVERTISEMENT

article-image

USA Today via Reuters

Of course, Iwuji’s plans are all talk for now, as there is no formal announcement yet. Furthermore, he and Smith have to take several calls with regard to manufacturer, car number, team alliance, sponsors, and crew chief.

ADVERTISEMENT

However, Jesse Iwuji has designs to compete on a full-time schedule. For now, he will want to see out the remainder of the 2021 Truck Series season before talks with Smith get serious.

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: “I Can still Play the Game at a High Level” – Washington Redskins Star Wishes to Play till 2023

ADVERTISEMENT

Share this with a friend:

Link Copied!

ADVERTISEMENT

Written by

author-image

Dhruv George

14,853 Articles

Dhruv George is EssentiallySports’ foremost authority on motorsport and a founding member of the outlet’s NASCAR desk. A Journalism graduate fluent in English and French, he brings over eight years of motorsports journalism experience covering everything from high-octane NASCAR battles to the finesse of Formula 1 and MotoGP. His extensive paddock access has earned him exclusive interviews with top names such as F1’s Pierre Gasly and Moto2’s Tony Arbolino, cementing his reputation as a trusted voice among racing fans. Known for his candid opinions, Dhruv isn’t afraid to tackle contentious officiating calls, most recently defending Joey Logano after the DYL penalty in Phoenix. Before focusing on NASCAR as a Senior Writer, Dhruv contributed extensively to EssentiallySports’ coverage of F1 and NASCAR, building a versatile and impactful sports portfolio.

Know more

ADVERTISEMENT