Michael Jordan has commented on the lawsuit filed by his team, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR.
On October 2, the two teams confirmed that they had filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO Jim France.
The antitrust lawsuit accuses NASCAR of multiple anti-competitive actions. The claims include NASCAR’s acquisition of majority premier racetracks, exclusive agreements imposed on NASCAR-sanctioned tracks, the purchase of ARCA—a competing stock car racing series—and restrictive policies prohibiting teams from participating in races outside of NASCAR. Furthermore, NASCAR mandates that teams buy parts exclusively from NASCAR-selected suppliers, an action seen as monopolistic.
Michael Jordan commented on the lawsuit in a press release from both teams. He explained:
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“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”
Joining Jordan in the fight for change, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, explained:
“It’s actually pretty simple in my opinion. When I look around, I see that the best and most competitive sports in the world understand that when teams thrive, fans benefit, and that everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success. With the right changes, we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”
Bob Jenkins, the owner of Front Row Motorsports, echoed Hamlin’s sentiment, calling for systemic reform. “I have been part of this racing community for 20 years and couldn’t be more proud of the Front Row Motorsports team and our success. But the time has come for change. We need a more competitive and fair system where teams, drivers, and sponsors can be rewarded for our collective investment by building long-term enterprise value, just like every other successful professional sports league.”
This comes after both teams refused to the sign the latest charter agreement. 23XI Racing said at the time of the missed deadline, as Newsweek Sports previously reported:
“23XI decided to not meet a NASCAR-imposed deadline last night to sign Charter agreements for its two cars for 2025-2031. 23XI’s position, as stated in a letter to NASCAR, is that we did not have an opportunity to fairly bargain for a new Charter contract.
“We notified NASCAR what issues needed to be addressed, in writing, at the deadline. We are interested in engaging in constructive discussions with NASCAR to address these issues and move forward in a way that comes to a fair resolution, while strengthening the sport we all love.
“At 23XI Racing, we remain committed to competing at the highest level while also standing firm in our belief that NASCAR should be governed by fair and equitable practices.”