Germain Racing selling its NASCAR Cup charter makes room for Michael Jordan’s team
NASCAR team owner Bob Germain announced Monday night the sale of Germain Racing’s charter, sold to Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin for the formation of their new Cup team in 2021, which will feature Bubba Wallace as its driver.
With the purchase, Jordan becomes the first Black majority owner of a full-time race team in the top series since Wendell Scott in the 1960s and 70s. A Cup charter guarantees a team entry into all NASCAR races in the series.
Germain stated that the No. 13 team will finish the season with its driver Ty Dillon.
“Being an owner in NASCAR for the last 16 years has been a thrilling and rewarding adventure,” Germain said in a statement. “From winning two NASCAR Truck Series championships in 2006 and 2010 to competing at the highest level of motorsports in the Cup Series for the last 12 seasons, I have experienced the highs and lows of our sport.”
“I’m extremely proud of what Germain Racing has accomplished at every level and I will be transitioning out of ownership with many memories and friendships,” Germain’s statement continued. “I appreciate the interest and offers made over the last couple of weeks and I am excited to see how the sport continues to grow in the future.”
FOX Sports reported weeks ago that major team sponsor GEICO did not renew its sponsorship for next year and Germain said he was considering selling the team at that point.
“It has been a great source of pride for our team to represent their brand on the track,” Germain’s statement said. “Doug Barnette with Player Management International has facilitated our GEICO relationship since the beginning and I truly appreciate his efforts. Finally, to my employees: building a team camaraderie and creating a family atmosphere has been a highlight of this journey. I will miss each of you.”
The sale of Germain Racing’s single-team Cup Series charter comes after Leavine Family Racing announced the sale of its charter this summer. LFR’s charter was purchased by Spire Motorsports, and Spire plans to run two Cup cars in 2021.
This story was originally published September 21, 2020 at 10:44 PM.
