PLANO, Texas (October 30, 2020) – Toyota’s commitment to motorsports is revving up with the announcement of its support for 23XI Racing, a new NASCAR Cup Series team co-founded by NBA icon Michael Jordan and seasoned NASCAR contender Denny Hamlin. This exciting partnership will see 23XI Racing, with the talented Bubba Wallace behind the wheel of the No. 23 Toyota Camry, make its anticipated debut at the 2021 Daytona 500.
Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) is bringing its full force to this collaboration, incorporating crucial support from Toyota Racing Development, U.S.A. (TRD). TRD will be instrumental in building the team’s high-performance engines and providing cutting-edge technology, valuable data, and essential technical assistance, ensuring 23XI Racing starts strong in the competitive NASCAR arena.
“We are incredibly enthusiastic about joining forces with Michael, Denny, and Bubba in this new venture,” stated Ed Laukes, Group Vice President of Toyota Division Marketing at TMNA. “Having witnessed Michael’s legendary drive and championship wins in Chicago, we know he brings that same unwavering determination to NASCAR. Denny has been an invaluable member of the Toyota racing family for over a decade, and we are thrilled to support his team ownership aspirations. Welcoming Bubba back to Toyota is also a significant moment. Bubba has achieved remarkable milestones with Toyota in the past, and we are confident he will secure many more victories with 23XI Racing, powered by a Camry.”
The Toyota racing partnership extends to a strategic agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). This alliance will enable 23XI Racing to leverage JGR’s established infrastructure by purchasing chassis and accessing other vital services. In line with the collaborative spirit within the Toyota and TRD racing teams, open technical information sharing and communication will be encouraged. This synergistic approach aims to elevate the performance of all teams and drivers within the Toyota and TRD motorsports family.
“We are excited to offer our resources to this promising new Toyota team and support their launch,” commented Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “We recall our own early days nearly thirty years ago, and a similar supportive agreement was crucial to our initial success. We are delighted to see Denny realize his ownership ambitions, and Michael Jordan’s entry into NASCAR brings immense prestige and excitement to the sport.”
Michael Jordan, a lifelong NASCAR enthusiast inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009, brings unparalleled sports acumen to 23XI Racing. His illustrious 13-season career with the Chicago Bulls includes six NBA Championships. Since 2010, he has been the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, marking him as the first former player to achieve majority ownership of an NBA franchise.
“My primary ambition for 23XI Racing is immediate championship contention,” Jordan stated. “Our collaboration with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing provides us with the essential equipment, resources, and expertise to aggressively pursue this goal within Toyota racing.”
Denny Hamlin, a cornerstone of the Toyota racing program for over a decade, reflects on the strong partnership. Since joining Toyota in 2008 and piloting a Camry, Hamlin has achieved 41 victories, including three Daytona 500 wins, and consistently placed in the top 10 in point standings ten times. With seven victories already this season and his advancement to the Round of 8, Hamlin is currently a strong contender for his first NASCAR Cup Series title, further solidifying Toyota’s racing legacy.
“Toyota has been integral to my NASCAR journey,” Hamlin emphasized. “Together, we’ve celebrated numerous milestones, including consecutive Daytona 500 victories. Knowing their unwavering support for their teams, partnering with Toyota for my team ownership venture was a natural decision. Toyota shares my vision for 23XI Racing and their deep integration with our team members will be crucial as we grow and compete for race wins and championships under the Toyota racing banner.”
23XI Racing signifies a significant homecoming for Bubba Wallace within the Toyota racing ecosystem. Wallace initially joined Toyota in 2011 through Rev Racing in the ARCA Menards Series East. At just 17, he secured three wins and finished as runner-up in the point standings. In 2012, he progressed to Joe Gibbs Racing, debuting in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and achieving a top-10 finish. From 2013 to 2014, Wallace competed in the Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM), achieving a historic victory at Martinsville Speedway in October 2013, becoming the first African-American driver to win in NASCAR in nearly 40 years. During his tenure with KBM, Wallace added four more victories and consistently finished in the top 10 of the final point standings, showcasing his talent within Toyota racing development.
The No. 23 Toyota Camry is set to make its debut in the 2021 Daytona 500, joining fellow Toyota-powered teams Joe Gibbs Racing and Gaunt Brothers Racing in “The Great American Race” on February 14, 2021, further cementing Toyota’s strong presence in NASCAR racing.
