The antitrust trial over NASCAR’s charter system began after a suit filed in October 2024 by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The case moved to a Charlotte federal courtroom this week, and Michael Jordan is expected to testify as the trial unfolds.
The plaintiffs say NASCAR acts like a monopoly. They argue the sanctioning body tightly controls participation, parts, rules and media revenue. Central to the fight are team charters contracts that guarantee race entry and a share of payouts. The teams wanted charters made permanent rather than tied to TV deals. 23XI and Front Row call NASCAR “monopolistic bullies.”
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Jordan is a lead figure in the suit. He co-owns 23XI with Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk. The team has expanded quickly and contends it was treated unfairly in recent revenue talks. Denny Hamlin testified about the costs of running a car and said, “I didn’t sign because I knew this was my death certificate for the future.”
NASCAR denies wrongdoing. The sanctioning body points to charters as valuable and to recent increases in payouts. NASCAR also says the franchise-like system creates equity and stability. The company argues teams can race outside NASCAR and that the charter model is legal.
What happens next could reshape stock-car racing. A jury decision could force changes in how charters work, how media revenue is split, or how tracks and teams are owned. If plaintiffs win, NASCAR might need to alter its business model. If NASCAR wins, 23XI and Front Row face uncertain finances and possible loss of charters. Judge Kenneth Bell will guide the legal unwinding if required.
The trial is raw and high stakes. Jordan’s testimony will be a defining moment. The outcome will affect owners, drivers and the future shape of NASCAR.
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