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From its inception in 1948, NASCAR has had many owners from all different backgrounds. Today, let’s discuss a few that stand out.
Junior Johnson is heralded as one of the greatest innovators in NASCAR history. Johnson was always a step ahead of the curve, whether it was his understanding of slipstream or his ability to bend the rules.
His background may be the leading factor to this as he was a bootlegger prior to his NASCAR career. As a bootlegger, your primary goal is to sell your liquor, and outrun the law. While he had a knack for avoiding the law, Johnson was caught in 1956 and spent 11 months in prison for operating an illegal still.
His years as a bootlegger molded the innovative side of Johnson during his career as a driver and owner. Just like in running shine, you have to always seek an advantage to outrun the competition. While bending the rules was frowned upon, Johnson had years of experience not getting caught.
Johnson was able to build championship-winning cars, compiling six total championships backed by 132 wins as a team owner. His first three came with Cale Yarborough (1976-1978), and three with Darrell Waltrip. Two consecutively in 1981-1982 and his final championship in 1985.
Alan Kulwicki’s ownership career began thanks to Bill Terry and the No. 32 Hardee’s Ford team. Kulwicki drove for Terry in five races in 1985 with a best finish of 14th. When 1986 rolled around, Terry gained sponsorship from Quincy’s Steak House, but midway through the season, Terry abruptly decided to sell the team to none other than his driver, Alan Kulwicki.
Kulwicki was a decent driver, but he also had knowledge of engineering. In 1977, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Science and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This gave him the ability to start from the bottom with a car and make the necessary adjustments to build a race-winning car.
In 1992, Alan Kulwicki Racing reached the pinnacle of NASCAR. With Kulwicki himself piloting the No. 7 “Underbird,” he won the Championship, marking the first time that a driver won the championship in the car he owned. This achievement was overshadowed months later as Kulwicki tragically passed away in a plane crash in April of 1993, but his legacy will forever live on.
One team owner who transcends NASCAR is Michael Jordan. Jordan is known for his illustrious career as a shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls, helping lead them to six championships between 1991 and 1998. Post-retirement, Jordan has kept a hand in the NBA with ownership of the Charlotte Hornets, which helped form his friendship with Denny Hamlin.
In 2020, during the peak of the pandemic, rumors started stirring that Hamlin and Jordan were joining forces to start a cup series team. During an episode of ‘Actions Detrimental, ‘ Hamlin spoke on how this rumor helped spark the formation of 23XI Racing.
Jordan is not the first athlete to enter NASCAR, but he is the most decorated. From his career to his brands to his philanthropy, Jordan brings funds and fans alike to the sport with his presence in the garage.
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