Who does ex-US President Barack Obama see as the Michael Jordan of NASCAR?

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Justin P Joy | Last updated 12/27/23

NASCAR over the years has seen some of the best and most accomplished racers in the world fighting each other for the ultimate crown, the Cup title. Choosing the Greatest Athlete of All Time a.k.a the GOAT in any sport is tough, and when it comes to Motorsports, the task becomes much harder, due to the evaluation of race cars over the years.

NASCAR has three drivers who could arguably be put on the GOAT pedestal. They are seven times Cup champions Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Jimmie Johnson. Three drivers dominated the series in different generations and periods. Choosing the best among the three depends on the perspective of the individual. Ex-US President Barack Obama seems to have his choice clear.

He believes HMS legend Jimmie Johnson is the Michael Jordan equivalent of NASCAR. Jordan is seen as the greatest basketball player ever and equating Johnson to him Obama is confirming that he sees the HMS legend as the GOAT of NASCAR. Obama’s words came in 2014 during a function at the White House Honouring the then-reigning champion.

He is the best there ever was. Now, everybody knows I’m a Chicago guy and usually, when we do these sports events I make some crack about how the football (team) is not as good as the ’85 Bears or the basketball team is not as good as the Bulls, but today I can’t really say anything, because Jimmie Johnson is pretty much the Michael Jordan of NASCAR.

Jimmie Johnson and Michael Jordan are now team owners in NASCAR

Both the racing legend and the NBA legend are now rival team owners in the NASCAR Cup series. Both of them are set to drive for the same manufacturer from the 2024 season and onwards with Toyota.

Jordan Joined NASCAR in 2021 as he built the Toyota team 23XI Racing with Joe Gibbs Racing veteran Denny Hamlin as the co-owner. In the last three years at the top tier, they have won five Cup races and in 2023 both of their drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick made it into the playoffs.

Johnson became the co-owner of the rebranded Legacy Motor Club in 2023. He is set to join the Toyota garage with the team in 2024. They have had a mixed 2023 season, but have big expectations for the upcoming season.