Toyota broadcasts its partnership with 23XI Racing
The partnership is backed by Toyota Racing Development, who will build the team's engines and provide technology, data and technical support
Toyota is pleased to announce the support of the new NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing team owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and current NASCAR Cup Series championship candidate Denny Hamlin. 23XI Racing will debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 with Bubba Wallace at the wheel of the No. 23 Toyota Camry.
The partnership with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) includes support from Toyota Racing Development, USA (TRD), who will build the team's engines and provide technology, data and technical support.
"We're excited to be part of this new team with Michael, Denny and Bubba," said Ed Laukes, group vice president, Toyota Division Marketing, TMNA.
"As a native of Chicago, I saw Michael's determination firsthand as he led his team to multiple NBA championships. I know he brings the same drive and work ethic to this new opportunity. Denny has been a valuable part of over a decade the Toyota family and we are excited to support him in his next step towards the NASCAR team. We are also excited to welcome Bubba back to the Toyota family. Bubba has made many firsts with Toyota and we anticipate that he will win many more victories with 23XI Racing at the wheel of a Camry. "
The Toyota relationship will also include an agreement with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) that will enable 23XI Racing to purchase chassis and other services. As with many other Toyota and TRD teams in the NASCAR workshops, technical information and communication between the teams are encouraged to improve performance across the Toyota and TRD team and driver family.
"We're excited to give this new Toyota team the opportunity to provide resources to get started," said Joe Gibbs, owner of Joe Gibbs Racing. “We can remember being in a similar position almost three decades ago, and we were fortunate to have a similar arrangement that helped us in the beginning. We're excited that Denny is realizing his dream of owning, and it is certainly a big deal for NASCAR to add someone with the respect and stature of Michael Jordan to our sport. "
A lifelong NASCAR fan, Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. He played 13 seasons for the Chicago Bulls and led them to six NBA championships. In 2010, he became the majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets (then Bobcats) and is the first former player to become a majority owner of an NBA franchise.
"My main goal for 23XI Racing is to fight for a championship as soon as possible," said Jordan. "Our partnership with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing gives us the equipment, resources and expertise to do this."
Hamlin has been an important part of the Toyota family for over a decade. Since Hamlin first climbed behind the wheel of a Camry in 2008, he has taken 41 wins and three Daytona 500 wins and has finished in the top 10 ten times. He has taken seven wins this season and advanced to round eight as he pursues his first title in the NASCAR Cup Series.
"Toyota has been a big part of my NASCAR career," said Hamlin. “We achieved several milestones together, including two consecutive Daytona 500 wins. I know how they support their teams, and when I decided to change team ownership, I knew I wanted Toyota to be by our side. Toyota supports my vision with this team and will be integrated with our team members to support us as we grow and strive for race wins and championships. "
23XI Racing marks a return to the Toyota family for Bubba Wallace. Wallace joined Toyota in 2011 as part of Rev Racing in what is now the ARCA Menards Series East. As a 17-year-old, he drove three wins and a second place in the points ranking. In 2012 he moved to Joe Gibbs Racing and made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut, scoring a top 10 result.
From 2013 to 2014, Wallace competed in the Truck Series with Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) and became the first African American to win NASCAR in nearly 40 years when he drove to victory at Martinsville Speedway in October 2013. Wallace added four more wins and two top 10 finishes in the endpoints of his tenure at KBM.
The No. 23 Toyota Camry will debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 and will compete in the Great American Race alongside fellow Toyota teams Joe Gibbs Racing and Gaunt Brothers Racing on February 14, 2021.
