Long before the roar of engines and the flash of cameras, he wore a different kind of uniform—one stitched with duty, discipline, and sacrifice. In the U.S. Navy, he learned what it meant to serve under pressure, to lead without applause, and to keep pushing forward even when no one was watching. Years later, when he traded his military stripes for a racing suit, those lessons followed him onto the track. And then, just as suddenly as he arrived, he was gone. No fanfare. No press conference. Just silence.
But in the world of speed and second chances, exits aren’t always permanent. Sometimes, they’re just the pause before the comeback. And when a certain NFL Hall of Famer recently broke that silence with just three words, it wasn’t just a message—it was a signal. Something big was about to shift in the world of stock cars and service legacies.
Just days after trading barbs with a Philadelphia Eagles fan over Super Bowl history, Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith is back in the news—but this time, it’s all about celebration. The NFL’s all-time leading rusher posted a short but meaningful three-word message to longtime friend and business partner Jesse Iwuji, who is returning to NASCAR competition after nearly two years away from the driver’s seat. “Welcome back Jesse,” Smith wrote in an Instagram story, reposting a DGM Racing graphic that read “Jesse’s back.”
Smith and Iwuji co-founded Jesse Iwuji Motorsports (JIM) in 2021, launching the team into the NASCAR Xfinity Series. While Iwuji last competed in February 2023, he has remained active behind the scenes as a team co-owner. His return to competition, however, marks a significant development for both him and the race team heading into a pivotal 2025 campaign.
Iwuji will make his official NASCAR Xfinity Series return at Talladega Superspeedway on April 26, piloting the No. 91 Chevrolet Camaro in collaboration with DGM Racing and Jesse Iwuji Motorsports. This entry is backed by a range of sponsors, including Chevrolet Accessories, Lincoln Electric, and the eRacing Association.
What this means for Jesse Iwuji alongside Emmitt Smith and JIM
Speaking ahead of the race, Iwuji said: “It means the world to me to have Chevrolet Accessories on board as I make my first start with Mario Gosselin and the DGM x JIM team. Chevrolet has been with me almost every step of my racing career; their belief in me and their continued support are a great reminder of how hard I’ve worked for the opportunity to be back at the track and live out my racing dreams.”
The car’s paint scheme will feature a bold red, white, and blue livery, along with branding for the American Veterans Center’s National Memorial Day Parade, which celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2025. The visual is a nod to Iwuji’s military background and a tribute to veterans across the country.
Iwuji, 37, is one of just a few U.S. Navy officers to ever compete in NASCAR and among a growing list of minority team owners within the sport. His dual identity as a racer and co-owner, paired with the financial and public support of Emmitt Smith—whose net worth is estimated at $25 million—has positioned the duo as both an inspirational and disruptive force in the racing landscape.
His return at Talladega, one of NASCAR’s most unpredictable and high-speed tracks, isn’t just about results—it’s about momentum. For Jesse Iwuji Motorsports, this signals a fresh start. For fans, it’s a story of persistence, loyalty, and one more shot at making history.
With a military career, a NASCAR team, and a growing list of corporate sponsors behind him, Jesse Iwuji’s comeback is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. And if the Talladega run goes well, don’t be surprised if this marks the beginning of a broader return to regular competition.
