Denny Hamlin is looking to become a NASCAR team owner, per rumors

Bubba Wallace could be the possible driver for the new racing team

All four tires are bolted on with loose lugnuts and all as we roll into Silly Season.

For weeks, it’s been rumored that Denny Hamlin is in talks to purchase a NASCAR team. Initially, those rumors pointed to an investment in Richard Petty Motorsports for a part-ownership stake.

At the same time, rumors surfaced that Michael Jordan could be looking to invest in Richard Petty Motorsports. Jordan also happens to be a long-time sponsor of Denny Hamlin through the Jordan Brand. However, those rumors were dismissed by his PR rep.

Two weeks ago, Hamlin didn’t shoot down the rumors he was looking to purchase a team. Instead, he further added to the mystery around the topic.

“I don’t have anything to announce or to speak about when it comes to it,” Hamlin said.

“I think that I’m always looking towards what I’m going to do after my driving career is over. I’ve got some great partners that support me and my decisions in what I will do for years to come. So, I don’t know. I wish I had something to announce, but I really don’t.

Hamlin added, “There’s a lot of things up in the air that are still getting worked on, but I just got – I’ve got to win this weekend and next weekend, and that’s where I’ve got to focus, but certainly I believe that, no matter what, my career will be with Joe Gibbs Racing and FedEx as long as I want to drive.”

Related: Bubba Wallace addresses fans that want politics out of NASCAR

Ty Dillon at Charlotte Motor Speedway - Coca-Cola 600 - NASCAR Cup Series
CONCORD, NORTH CAROLINA – MAY 24: Ty Dillon, driver of the #13 GEICO Military Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2020 in Concord, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Germain Racing for sale

GEICO signed on as one of the four primary sponsors of the NASCAR Cup Series ahead of the 2020 season. Across the board, the company has been dissolving their team sponsorships for larger series type partnerships.

For 2021, GEICO will not partner with Germain Racing. That team is looking for sponsors in 2021.

They’re also looking for a new owner. Germain Racing is for sale.

The rumors have now shifted. Bidders for Germain Racing have been rumored to be Denny Hamlin, The Money Team Racing (Floyd Mayweather) and Dustin Marks per Adam Stern.

Related: Floyd Mayweather’s racing team comments on NASCAR changes

Bubba Wallace - Beats Headphones - NASCAR driver
BRISTOL, TENNESSEE – JULY 15: Bubba Wallace, driver of the #43 World Wide Technology Chevrolet, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series All-Star Race at Bristol Motor Speedway on July 15, 2020 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Bubba Wallace to run for Denny Hamlin’s team?

If sold, Germain Racing is set for a name change.

Pro Sports Management agent Rod Moskowitz represents Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson. All three have an interesting off-season ahead.

Recently, Bubba Wallace informed Richard Petty Motorsports that he would not return to the team in 2021. This came after they offered him an extremely rare part-ownership role in the team if he was to return, he still turned the offer down.

The pieces are stumbling together. It’s possible that Bubba Wallace becomes the driver for Germain Racing’s new owner. Which are likely to be Denny Hamlin or even Floyd Mayweather.

If Hamlin purchases the team, they would almost certainly made the switch from Chevrolet to Toyota. Bubba Wallace was previously a Toyota Racing Development driver, until the 2014 season.

In 2020, Bubba Wallace has brought in Cash App, DoorDash and a long list of personal endorsements. If those sponsors were to follow Wallace to a new team, the driver could have his pick of where he wants to go.

Wallace has also looked into a possible ride with Chip Ganassi Racing, the former no. 42 ride for Kyle Larson.

Related: Bubba Wallace won’t return to Richard Petty Motorsports in 2021

Kyle Larson at Port Royal Speedway - Dirt Late Model 2809
Kyle Larson at Port Royal Speedway – Dirt Late Model 2809
Kyle Larson?

Meanwhile, Kyle Larson is also without a NASCAR ride. He’s currently dominating EVERYTHING on dirt.

Larson is looking to return to NASCAR. The drivers recently submitted paperwork for the series to consider reinstatement following his April suspension.

Tony Stewart has expressed interest in signing Kyle Larson. He’s also encouraged NASCAR to lift his suspension.

Related: “NASCAR has gotta get off their ass and do the right thing,” Tony Stewart says of Kyle Larson still being suspended from NASCAR

Tony Stewart Racing fields four cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. Three of the four are now confirmed for 2021, with Aric Almirola recently signing an extension. Clint Bowyer’s no. 14 ride has yet to be confirmed for 2021.

On another note, Denny Hamlin is also a longtime friend of Kyle Larson.

All these dots could be firmly connected as soon as this week.

Links

Bubba Wallace | Denny Hamlin | Kyle Larson | Tony Stewart | Stewart-Haas Racing | Richard Petty Motorsports | Germain RacingNASCAR

Categories

Tags