The Legal Battle Between NASCAR and Teams Reveals Tensions and Explosive Language
The legal conflict between NASCAR and two of its teams, who filed a federal antitrust lawsuit, has escalated into the public eye. During a tense hearing, emails and text messages with explicit language were disclosed, originating from key figures such as 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan. In a revealing exchange, Jordan, NBA legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing, expressed his discontent with Joe Gibbs Racing and the 13 teams that signed the new NASCAR agreements last September.23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were the only teams that refused to sign extensions to the franchise agreements, leading to the lawsuit against NASCAR. The teams argue that the organization is acting as a monopoly, and that they could be forced to close if NASCAR sells its licenses. The disclosure of documents during the hearing revealed explosive details. NASCAR, owned by the France family, saw its current president, Jim France, and his granddaughter, Lesa France Kennedy, present in court. In another exchange, Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI, suggested that “the death of Jim (France) is probably the answer” to obtain better terms in franchise agreements. For his part, Denny Hamlin, JGR driver, expressed his strong aversion to the France family. In a conversation between Jordan and Polk, the price of the licenses was discussed. Jordan replied: “I will not sell, even if they were for sale.” Polk replied: “This is just a hobby!”, to which Jordan replied: “I can only play golf for a while.” In a second exchange, Jordan discussed with Polk the cost of signing a driver. Jordan replied: “I’ve lost it at a casino. Let’s do it.” NASCAR also showed email exchanges with explicit language between its top executives. Commissioner Steve Phelps argued that an initial franchise proposal offered “no win for the teams.” Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR president, criticized an initial version that, according to him, would return NASCAR to 1996 conditions. 23XI and Front Row’s lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, argued that NASCAR’s exchanges, as well as contingency plans to avoid 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. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell warned that NASCAR’s licensing system is at stake, depending on the outcome of the case. The discussion focused on the teams’ urgent request to restore their franchise status before the trial scheduled for December 1st. NASCAR has indicated that it plans to begin selling the licenses immediately. Judge Bell asked why one of the four open spots could not be sold and address the issue after the case was resolved. The judge will issue his ruling next week after the first playoff race of the season. Outside of court, Jordan said he is open to a settlement, but is willing to go to trial. Kessler warned that if 23XI and Front Row do not recover their licenses, they will be forced to close in 2026.“Teams will regret not joining us,” Jordan wrote in a text message to Curtis Polk, his business manager and partner at 23XI Racing.
Michael Jordan
“I’ve been a fan of the game for a long time,” Jordan said. “I’ve always said I want to fight for the benefit of the sport. The sport needs to continuously change for both the fans and the teams. I feel like we made a good statement about that today and I hope to fight until the end for the good of the sport.”
Michael Jordan
