Pitbull aspires to win NASCAR races as a co-owner of Trackhouse Racing, but the superstar artist is focused on a bigger goal for the sport.
“This is a movement,” said the Cuban-American on Tuesday, about having a more diverse audience for NASCAR. “This is a revolution … taking the sport and creating a culture.”
Pitbull – whose real name is Armando Christian Perez – is the second world figure in the last six months to become a team owner, joining NBA legend Michael Jordan in the sport.
Jordan co-owns Denny Hamlin at 23XI Racing. Jordan, a longtime NASCAR fan, said last year that he hopes to create more opportunities for blacks in racing.
Bubba Wallace, who will drive for Jordan’s team, is excited about Pitbull’s entry into NASCAR.
“It shows other minorities, ‘Hey, if these guys are investing, then why can’t we?’ And continue to develop our sport, ”said Wallace on Tuesday. “This is what we need. It’s all about exposure, reaching the right people. … We are changing the game with everything that happened last year.
“I think we have put NASCAR on the map in several new areas. Many new fans want to tune in this year, which is great for all of us. We just need to keep the ball rolling. “
This is what Pitbull wants to do with co-owner Justin Marks and pilot Daniel Suarez with the team from the first year of the World Cup.
“It’s all about creating awareness,” said Pitbull. “Just as music is the universal language, I also see NASCAR as the universal language because everyone loves a fast car and a great story.”
Pitbull notices its rise from humble beginnings. He also points to Suarez’s story of coming from Mexico and becoming the first foreign champion in a national NASCAR series when he won the 2016 Xfinity Series title.
“It’s about letting everyone know, no matter what happens in life, if you focus, work hard for it, you can achieve it,” said Pitbull. “This is my story and Daniel’s story. That’s why we thank Justin and Ty (Norris, a team executive) for investing in us as much as they believe in us. And we are here to win and show everyone in the world how to bring everyone together through NASCAR and Trackhouse. “
Pitbull’s reach goes with his “Mr. Worldwide ”moniker.
The social media reach of the Grammy Award winner is immense. More than 53 million people liked your Facebook page. He has 25.5 million Twitter followers. His The YouTube page has 14.2 million subscribers. He has 8.2 million Instagram followers.
Your social media accounts are likely to feature more NASCAR soon. Pitbull will serve as Grand Marshal for the February 14th Daytona 500. This follows the music video he made before last year’s Xfinity and Cup finals at Phoenix Raceway in NBCSN and NBC.
Pitbull said the film “Days of Thunder” interested him in NASCAR. He was attracted to Trackhouse Racing because of Marks’ plan to promote STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
In 2015, Pitbull started the SLAM Foundation, a nonprofit educational organization representing 12 public K-12 charter schools across the country.
“We have a responsibility as people, we have a responsibility as companies in America to ensure that we are not only building a successful company, but we are building something to empower the next generation of people and we are leaving a legacy.” Marks said.
“I think this is so consistent with what is important to Armando. The partnership makes sense. I think there are many opportunities for us in the future. “
Pitbull said: “It just makes sense, because we are all here for one reason and only one. To create awareness – clearly for NASCAR, clearly for Trackhouse – but more than anything, to show that it brings people together.
“If there is anything we need in these times now, it is something that brings people together, it doesn’t divide people. That’s what we’re here to do with this platform, (this) opportunity. “