LeBron James has officially entered the thrilling world of powerboat racing by launching his very own E1 Series team this year. This bold move is not just a personal venture; it?s a game-changer for the sport. One of LeBron?s drivers, Rusty Wyatt, believes that the NBA superstar’s involvement will significantly attract a fresh audience to this exciting, yet emerging, arena of competitive racing.

On January 23rd, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers champion made headlines by announcing his investment in this dynamic water sport. His AlUla team is set to join other high-profile figures, including Tom Brady and Will Smith, in the E1 all-electric powerboat racing series for the 2025 season, generating buzz and excitement within both the sports and entertainment industries.

The team features two skilled drivers: Catie Munnings, a talented rally driver, and Rusty Wyatt, who expressed his excitement about being part of James’ dynamic crew. The combination of their expertise and LeBron’s star power creates a potent mix that could elevate the sport’s visibility significantly.

With a background in speed boating since he was just 12 years old, Wyatt is looking forward to the European league that debuted in 2024. He firmly believes that having a four-time NBA MVP like LeBron James involved will bring a wave of attention to this relatively new and exhilarating competition, helping it gain the recognition it deserves.

As Wyatt stated, “Anything LeBron does, people are gonna follow. He’s such an icon to so many different people.” This sentiment underscores the potential impact of James? participation in powerboat racing, suggesting that his fanbase could translate into a wider audience for the sport.

Despite King James’ hectic NBA schedule, Wyatt has yet to meet him but hopes to do so at one of the upcoming races, especially the major event in Miami later this year. This meeting would not only symbolize a personal milestone for Wyatt but also highlight the intersection of two thrilling sports worlds.

The two-time High Point champion expressed his desire to offer LeBron a thrilling joyride in one of the powerboats. However, he humorously noted that it would depend on whether the NBA star could comfortably fit in the boat, showcasing the light-hearted camaraderie that can develop in high-stakes environments.

Wyatt also provided insights into the impressive specifications of the 20-foot-long AlUla boat, capable of reaching speeds up to 70mph on the water. Interestingly, he emphasized that one must be in peak physical condition to effectively drive these high-speed machines, highlighting the demanding nature of this electrifying sport.