Jeff Gordon gives his verdict on Michael Jordan and Pitbull stealing the spotlight during NASCAR races
Jeff Gordon doesn't mind the presence of celebrity team owners in the Cup garage.
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Pitbull, Jeff Gordon and Michael Jordan (Via IMAGO)
One of the major contributions the Next-Gen cars have given the sport is two new teams with celebrity team owners. NBA legend Michael Jordan and pop star Pitbull entered the sport as co-owners in the 2021 season, a year ahead of the Next-Gen era. They are among the fastest-growing teams in the garage.
Jordan joined the sport as co-owner of 23XI Racing. He partnered with his friend and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin to build the team. Pitbull joined the team with co-owner Justin Marks, an ex-racer, fielding cars under the brand of Trackhouse Racing. They’ve some of the most famous drivers and a diverse pit crew, making them a big asset to the sport.
One major thing the duo has brought to the sport is a spotlight NASCAR might not get on a usual race day. But it does reflect some media attention that the other team bosses or driver gets. When asked about how he feels about this loss, ex-Cup champion and HMS vice-chairman Jeff Gordon pointed out that he sees it as a good thing that can benefit the sport.
First of all, I’m not in an attention-seeking position. That was different as a driver — you’re trying to attract sponsors or keep your sponsors happy and fans and all those things. We love the brand that we have, and we want to maintain that. But when Michael Jordan and Pitbull and others like that come into the sport, it grows the sport.
Jeff Gordon told Fox Sports.
How can it help NASCAR to grow?
For any sport to grow, it must attract more fans while keeping its current fandom happy. Most often, it’s harder to attract new fans and keep them hooked. Having these celebrities not only makes fans who have no idea of the sport explore it, but some might gradually become part of the community.
Gordon pointed out, while answering the question about the spotlight, pointed out that despite being rivals on the track, the growth of the sport is the primary target. This makes them a team to improve everything for everyone.
It makes it better for all of us. I'd like to think we're competitors on the track with the other teams. But off the track, I feel like we're all on the same team to build the sport.
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Justin P Joy
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