NASCAR chief Steve Phelps has insisted that Michael Jordan’s antitrust trial with the sport’s governing body won’t jeopardize their longtime friendship, as both parties spar in a North Carolina court this week. Jordan’s 23XI and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign the NASCAR charter agreement last year and launched an antitrust lawsuit in October 2024, accusing the governing body of monopolistic practices.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit has seen several twists and turns, including a preliminary injunction allowing 23XI and FRM to race as chartered teams in the 2025 season being overturned in June this year<\/a>, forcing them to register as “open” entries for the remainder of the campaign<\/a>. Jordan’s 23XI business partner and Cup Series superstar, Denny Hamlin, also issued bullish messages ahead of the trial<\/a>, before being dealt a bitter blow in his two-decade pursuit to be crowned champion, losing the title in overtime to Kyle Larson in the Phoenix finale<\/a>.<\/p>\n Settlement discussions were also unsuccessful before the case went to a trial, starting Monday this week, which saw NBA legend Jordan express his disbelief that the legal battle went this far<\/a> in a one-word response on the court’s steps, as well as the judge being left enraged over both parties’ opening statements<\/a>, and Hamlin getting emotional during cross-examination<\/a>. The financial curtain of owning a Cup team was also lifted, as well as Hamlin’s annual contract at Joe Gibbs Racing<\/a>, and 23XI’s $8 million partnership with their rival<\/a>.<\/p>\n The trial is expected to last 10 days, and the fourth day has already begun. Still, amid the bitter legal battle, NASCAR chief Phelps is keen to maintain his relationship with Jordan regardless of the trial’s outcome, which will have devastating consequences whichever way the decision falls.<\/p>\n “It’s unfortunate he decided to go in this direction,” Phelps told the Daily Mail<\/a>. “Michael and I have known each other a long time, and I consider him a friend… We’ll get through this, and Michael and I will figure out our future together.”<\/p>\n