23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan speaks on the lawsuit against NASCAR after today’s court hearing
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports opened an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR late last year. The teams were seeking a better charter agreement.
NASCAR lawsuit opened by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports
Charters guarantee a starting position for 36 cars (charter holders) in every points paying race. Charter holders also earn a larger portion of the race purse. They are NASCAR’s version of franchises.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports elected not to sign the new charter agreement that went into place for this season. They noted a line in the charter agreement that prevents teams from opening lawsuits against NASCAR.
The teams initially won an injunction, allowing them to run as charter teams while the lawsuit is ongoing. NASCAR appealed and they won the appeal. The teams are now fielding six entries as Open teams (non-charter cars).
NASCAR wins court appeal to claim charters from 23XI / FRM
Now, NASCAR holds six charters from these two teams, three from each. And ahead of next season, they are looking to transfer them to new owners. In the hearing today, NASCAR was requesting approval to transfer them.
At the same time, the teams were asking the court to force NASCAR to return their charter status until the antitrust lawsuit heads to trial in December.
There was no ruling from the judge after today’s hearing. The ruling is expected next week.
After the hearing, the attorney for both teams as well as team co-owner Michael Jordan met with the press…
NASCAR commissioner speaks on the antitrust lawsuit
Jeffrey Kessler comments
“I think NASCAR’s own documents speak for themselves,” Attorney Jeffrey Kessler told reporters outside the courthouse.
“I think you finally got to see them. And you can see what this case it about.”
“I think NASCAR’s arguments against those documents speak for themselves as well. But, we are very very happy to have had this opportunity.”
“We look forward to Judge Bell ruling on this motion next week.”
NASCAR has an agreement to transfer a charter amid lawsuit
Michael Jordan comments on the NASCAR lawsuit
“Look, I’ve been a fan of the game for a long period of time,” Michael Jordan added.
“When we first started this whole process, I’ve always said that, ‘I want to fight for the betterment of the sport.’ “
“Even though they tried to point out that we made money, that we had a successful business. That’s not the point.”
“The point is that the sport itself, needs to change, for the fans, teams as well as for NASCAR too. I feel like we made a good statement today about that.”
“I look forward to going down to fire. If I have to fight this to the end, for the betterment of the sport, I will.”
Jordan was asked if he was open to a settlement.
“We’ve always been open to a settlement. Always have been. We’ve never taken that off the table.”
NASCAR team owned by Michael Jordan could be ‘out of business’
Full-time drivers for both teams involved in the lawsuit
23XI Racing Driver Lineup:
– Bubba Wallace (No. 23)
– Tyler Reddick (No. 45)
– Riley Herbst (No. 35)
Front Row Motorsports Driver Lineup:
– Noah Gragson (No. 4)
– Todd Gilliland (No. 34)
– Zane Smith (No. 38)
The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs begin this weekend at Darlington Raceway. 23XI Racing has two drivers in the playoffs, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.
Brad Keselowski says the NASCAR lawsuit is a threat to the sport
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