Amid all the explosive revelations Bob Pockrass unearthed about NASCAR’s scandalous behind-closed-doors chaos, yet another bombshell has surfaced, this time involving Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and their fast-rising Cup Series operation, 23XI Racing.
Pockrass was one of the first to report a possible “merger” between 23XI and Front Row Motorsports back in 2021, when the Toyota-backed team was still a single-car outfit. At the time, it was dismissed as nothing more than paddock gossip, with Hamlin denying any details of a potential charter acquisition.
But now, with 23XI and FRM both locking horns with NASCAR in the upcoming antitrust trial, respected journalist Matt Weaver has confirmed what many suspected all along. That rumored alliance wasn’t just smoke; it was genuine. And the fresh revelations point to a secret bid to form one of NASCAR’s first true modern “superteams.”
Leaked Documents Reveal Michael Jordan’s 23XI-FRM Superteam Plan Amid Ongoing NASCAR Litigation
In a stunning first-of-its-kind twist ahead of the looming lawsuit set for trial on Dec. 1, the long-hidden details of the 23XI-FRM merger are now out in the open.
The information paints a clear picture: 23XI and FRM weren’t just casually floating/discussing cooperation. In fact, they were actively mapping out a merger-style alliance that would have folded FRM’s operations into an expanded Toyota program backed by MJ, Hamlin, and Curtis Polk.
According to the correspondence, executives from both teams were deep into negotiations about a structure that would give FRM owner Bob Jenkins a 20% ownership stake in 23XI’s expanded charter holdings. Under the proposed arrangement, both sides agreed to value their charters at $12 million each, with 23XI purchasing 80% of FRM’s Charter 26 for $9.6 million while FRM bought 20% of a 23XI charter for $2.4 million.
The documents reveal that Jenkins’ 20% stake came with significant protections: no capital calls, no dilution, and no obligations beyond his ownership percentage. He would not own any team assets but a percentage of the charters themselves.
He would receive full access to 23XI ownership meetings and future expansion opportunities, including a potential fourth charter.
Another significant element of the proposed partnership centered around a five-race 2022 program. 23XI would field a third entry using FRM’s No. 34 number, with Michael McDowell and crew chief Drew Blickensderfer operating under the Front Row banner. FRM would pay 23XI $175,000 per race for operational support, while handling driver pay, crew chief salary, and entry fees.
FRM also floated adjustments to the financial terms, suggesting they cover crash damage beyond $50,000 and keep purse earnings to help offset costs.
The two sides also negotiated a sizable inventory handoff. Such details are attached to Weaver’s original tweet.
Another massive reveal was the exclusive option granted to 23XI: the right to purchase 80% of FRM’s Charter 33 for the 2023 season.
The emails reveal the two organizations discussing a range of topics, including ownership rights, travel stipends, team licensing, sponsor rights, and future charter valuation formulas.
In essence, they weren’t pushing paperwork or floating ideas; they were outlining the framework for a true multi-team Toyota superstructure, with Jenkins positioned as a minority stakeholder inside Jordan and Hamlin’s growing operation.