The Legal Battle Between NASCAR and Two Teams Reveals Tension and Explosive Statements
The legal dispute between NASCAR and two of its teams, who filed a federal antitrust lawsuit, became public during a hearing marked by strong statements and shocking revelations. The tension between the parties was evident through emails and text messages with explicit language, coming from key figures such as 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan.The controversy arose when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign extensions to NASCAR’s franchise agreements. These teams accused NASCAR of monopolistic behavior, arguing that they risk shutting down their operations if the series sells its licenses. The hearing revealed explosive details, including text messages and emails with offensive language. Jim France, current NASCAR chairman, and Lesa France Kennedy, executive vice chair, were present in court. “Dying Jim is probably the answer” for teams to get better conditions in a franchise agreement. In an exchange, Michael Jordan and his business manager discussed the price of licenses. Jordan stated that he would not sell, even if they were for sale, to which the manager replied that this was “just a hobby.” Jordan replied that “you can only play so much golf.” NASCAR also saw emails with inappropriate language among its top executives revealed. Commissioner Steve Phelps expressed that the negotiations had not been productive. Steve O’Donnell, president of NASCAR, also criticized an initial version that, according to him, would return the NASCAR model to 1996 terms. The 23XI and Front Row attorney argued that NASCAR’s exchanges, along with plans to prevent competition, demonstrate that NASCAR is monopolizing the auto racing market. NASCAR has maintained that 23XI and Front Row relinquished the rights to six combined licenses by refusing to sign the extensions. The teams began the season recognized as licensed teams, which guarantees entry to the race each week. However, the order that recognized the six cars as licensed has been revoked, and they are currently competing as “open” teams. The judge warned that NASCAR’s licensing system is at stake depending on the outcome of the case. He focused on the teams’ urgent request to restore their license status before the trial scheduled for December 1st. The judge indicated that he will issue his ruling next week, after the first playoff race of the season. The judge questioned why NASCAR could not sell one of the four open spots and then address the case once resolved. NASCAR insists that it cannot be forced to do business with teams it does not want to work with. Outside of court, Michael Jordan stated that he is open to a settlement, but willing to go to trial. The teams’ lawyer warned that if 23XI and Front Row do not recover their licenses, they could close in 2026. “I’ve always said that I want to fight for the betterment of the sport,” Jordan affirmed. “I feel like we made a good statement today about that and I hope to fight until the end. If I have to fight this until the end, for the betterment of the sport, I will.”“Teams will regret not joining us,” Jordan wrote in a text message.
Michael Jordan
