Brad Daugherty, the former NBA star and current co-owner of NASCAR’s JTG Daugherty Racing team, recently opened up about his role in “dragging” basketball legend Michael Jordan into the world of NASCAR, revealing behind-the-scenes details about their partnership and Jordan’s entry into the sport.
Daugherty, who has had a long-standing relationship with Jordan, shared that it took years of persistence and persuasion to get the NBA icon involved in the racing world. Daugherty, a passionate NASCAR supporter, knew Jordan’s competitive nature and his affinity for high-level sports would eventually lead him to the track. However, convincing Jordan to invest in a NASCAR team was no easy feat.
According to Daugherty, their partnership began to take shape when Jordan started to show more interest in the sport, especially as Daugherty explained the ins and outs of racing. The former Cavaliers player noted that Jordan was particularly drawn to NASCAR’s culture of competition and its increasing visibility. Despite initial hesitation, Jordan’s eventual decision to form a team, 23XI Racing, alongside Denny Hamlin in 2020, marked a monumental moment for both NASCAR and the sports world.
Daugherty emphasized the importance of Jordan’s influence on the sport, noting how his entry helped bring NASCAR to a new, diverse audience. He also acknowledged that Jordan’s presence in the sport has opened doors for other prominent figures to consider getting involved.
Now, after more than 16 years of ownership in NASCAR, Daugherty is proud of how far the sport has come, especially in terms of inclusivity and representation. He credits the success of Jordan’s team and the growing popularity of NASCAR to the collaborative efforts of passionate individuals within the sport.
