Michael Jordan getting a superbike team?

[NateDogg]

Michael Jordan is getting closer to going motorcycle racing reports say. Jordan's people have been in contact with at least two manufacturers to obtain equipment for a race effort, and now it seems certain that the team will use the Yamaha R1. It's known Yamaha has asked one of its dealerships to release motorcycles to persons representing Michael Jordan for a racing effort. It is presumed that Jordan will be the team owner of the effort.

Jordan is a motorcycle and motorcycle racing fan. His NBA contracts have not allowed him to ride that often, but he has owned motorcycles. "He has a passion for motorcycles," said one long time industry insider who is close to the Jordan situation.

Jordan's people are known to be in the process of acquiring a transporter and equipment. There are a million rumors of the team being sponsored by Nike, etc but none of those rumors pan out.

Just what the scope of this effort will be is currently is unknown. Jordan is known to have a friendship with Mid-west CCS (amateur) racer Montez Stewart. Is all of this being assembled to go club racing?

Moreover, it is known the Yamaha-provided motorcycles went from the dealership floor to Gemini Racing in Mukwonago, WI. Gemini is the contractor that was the backbone of the Harley-Davidson VR 1000 Superbike effort and also did Pascal Picotte's Yamaha effort in Canada last season. A call placed to Gemini asking for details on the Michael Jordan Racing effort was met with "no comment".

 

[NateDogg]

Its confirmed.



March 04, 2004

AMA Pro Racing press release

Team 23 Racing representatives today confirmed companies affiliated with NBA legend Michael Jordan will sponsor Montez Stewart in this year’s AMA Repsol Superstock and Pro Honda Oils Supersport classes.

The effort is owned by Edward Scott LLC with primary sponsorship from Brand Jordan, a subsidiary of Nike managed in coordination with the five-time NBA MVP Jordan. The 31-year-old Stewart will ride the #123 Yamaha R1 in Repsol Superstock and the #123 Yamaha R6 in Pro Honda Oils Supersport.

“We’re thrilled to see a company affiliated with basketball legend Michael Jordan sponsor a team in the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship,” AMA Pro Racing Vice President, Director of Communications Kerry Graeber said. “One of our primary business objectives is to provide an avenue for companies like Brand Jordan to reach new markets through sponsorship in our series. This is a perfect manifestation of that vision”

“It’s a blessing to have Brand Jordan and the rest of my sponsors behind me,” team pilot Stewart said. “I really don’t think I would have the opportunity to race in the AMA otherwise.”

Team officials said Jordan’s willingness to support his friend Stewart and his interest in motorcycle racing opened the door to the basketball icon’s corporate partners. Additionally, team officials said Brand Jordan saw the sponsorship as an opportunity to support Jordan and his new recreational endeavors, particularly in developing products for official Team 23 Racing use.

“My goals of course include winning, but it’s tough racing against some of the fastest guys in the world,” Stewart said.

Additional Team 23 Racing sponsors include Gatorade, Alpinestars, Parts Unlimited, Gemini Technology Systems, Dunlop, PJ1, Ferodo Brakes and others.

For immediate post-race results, points, live transponder scoring, in-depth series and rider information, regular columnists and much more, log onto www.USSuperbike.com, the official website of the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship.

About AMA Pro Racing
AMA Pro Racing is the leading sanctioning body for motorcycle sport in the United States. Its properties include the AMA Supercross Series, the AMA Chevrolet Motocross Championship, the AMA Chevrolet Superbike Championship, the AMA Progressive Insurance Flat Track Championship and the AMA Red Bull Supermoto Championship. For more information about AMA Pro Racing, visit www.amaproracing.com.