Hall of Fame boxer Floyd Mayweather is joining NBA legend Michael Jordan and rapper Pitbull as the latest celebrity to own a NASCAR Cup Series team.
The Money Team Racing will make its debut later this month at Daytona International Speedway. Mayweather will team up with co-owner William Auchmoody, who will also serve as TMT Racing's general manager. Michael and Matt Kohler and Bill Woehlemann, co-owners of StarCom Racing, also have a vested interest in the team.
"I love fast cars and I love to compete," the 44-year-old Mayweather, who also owns boxing firm Mayweather Promotions, said in an official statement. "I know NASCAR will not be easy, but anything easy isn't worth doing to me. With that being said, this move into auto racing seems to be a perfect fit for the Mayweather brand."
23-year-old Kaz Grala will drive TMT Racing's No. 50 Chevrolet, sponsored by Pit Viper Sunglasses. Tony Eury Jr., a 30-year NASCAR vet who's worked with such teams as Dale Earnhardt Inc. and Hendrick Motorsports, will be the crew chief.
Yes it?s happening? here?s our #Daytona500 car! Honored to be behind the wheel for @FloydMayweather?s debut of the @TMTRacing50 car, thanks to @PitViperShades! ? pic.twitter.com/vQUZegUhye
— Kaz Grala (@KazGrala) February 1, 2022
Since TMT Racing does not have a charter, Grala, who has run in four Cup Series races in the past two years, will have to qualify for the 2022 Daytona 500.
The Boston, Massachusetts native has had some decent luck at the Daytona Beach track over the past couple years. In 2020, he placed seventh at Daytona's Go Bowling 235, driving the No. 3 Chevy for Richard Childress Racing.
In 2021, Grala raced in three Cup events for Kaulig Racing, with his best finish being sixth at the Geico 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
Grala also has run in 34 races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, racking up nine top-10 finishes. Out of his 36 Truck Series races, he's grabbed one win (conveniently enough, at Daytona) and 17 top-10s.
"It's an honor to be behind the wheel for Floyd Mayweather's entrance into NASCAR," Grala said in the team release.
"It's a really exciting time in our sport as it globalizes and reaches new audiences. I know Floyd is here to win, and I absolutely feel that everyone involved in this program is capable of making that happen. We know we will need some time to grow together as a new organization, but I couldn't be more thrilled to be a part of building this team from the ground up."
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