Why is Floyd Mayweather joining NASCAR? The Money Team Racing eyes Daytona 500 debut

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Boxing champion Floyd Mayweather is ready to take his name on the road, literally. In a release, it was announced that Mayweather will be making his NASCAR Cup Series debut, via The Money Team Racing’s (TMTR) Pit Viper on February 20 at the Daytona 500.

The event, as is tradition, will be held at the Daytona International Speedway in Florida. Mayweather will have Kaz Grala drive the car.

“I love fast cars and I love to compete. I know NASCAR will not be easy, but anything easy isn't worth doing to me,” Mayweather stated. “With that being said, this move into auto racing seems to be a perfect fit for the Mayweather brand.”

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Mayweather

A bronze medalist boxer in the 1996 Olympics, Mayweather made his pro debut in 1996. "Money" has won gold in five different weight classes and is a four-weight lineal champion. Mayweather has beaten a who's who of boxers, including Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, Canelo Alvarez, and Manny Pacquaio. Following a win over the UFC's Conor McGregor in 2017, Mayweather retired at 50-0.

Who is Kaz Grala?

Grala, 23, is the youngest NASCAR winner in Daytona history. He has two top-ten wins in the NASCAR Cup Series, and has competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series multiple times.

“It’s an honor to be behind the wheel for Floyd Mayweather’s entrance into NASCAR. It’s a really exciting time in our sport as it globalizes and reaches new audiences,” said Grala. “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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Mayweather still competes in exhibition bouts and has expanded his business empire over the years. In 2019, there were talks of Mayweather would form his own team. After numerous attempts at securing a driver, they found one, as well as a sponsorship with Pit Viper Sunglasses.

William Auchmoody, the co-owner of TMT Racing, will be the team's general manager. Mayweather has also brought along Tony Eury Jr. to lead the team in the pit box.   

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