The Legal Battle Between NASCAR and Two Teams Reveals Explosive Details
The intense dispute between NASCAR and two of its teams, which have filed a federal antitrust lawsuit, has escalated into the public eye. During a hearing marked by tensions, emails and text messages with explicit language were revealed from prominent figures, including 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan.The 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports organizations were the only teams that refused to sign the extensions of the NASCAR franchise agreements. This action led both teams to sue NASCAR, accusing it of a monopoly. They argue that they run the risk of closing their operations if the series sells their franchises. The documents revealed at the hearing exposed surprising details. NASCAR, owned by the France family, saw its president, Steve Lauletta, express that “Jim’s death is probably the answer” to improve the terms of the agreements. Denny Hamlin, JGR driver, also expressed his deep aversion to the France family. In a message exchange, Jordan and his manager discussed the price of the franchises. Jordan stated that he would not sell, to which his manager replied that it was just a “hobby.” Jordan responded that you can only play golf for a limited time. NASCAR also showed its own email exchanges with offensive language. Commissioner Steve Phelps sought “zero wins for the teams” and Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR president, proposed returning to the terms of 1996. 23XI and Front Row’s lawyer, Jeffrey Kessler, argued that these exchanges, along with NASCAR’s plans to avoid competition, demonstrate their attempt to monopolize the auto racing market. NASCAR maintains that 23XI and Front Row forfeited their rights to six combined charters by refusing to sign the extensions. Judge Kenneth Bell warned that NASCAR’s charter system is at stake depending on the outcome of the case. The judge will decide next week on the teams’ request to restore their franchise status. Tyler Reddick, a 23XI Racing driver, has a clause in his contract that allows him to leave if his car doesn’t have a franchise. Kessler indicated that Reddick and the sponsors have notified that 23XI is in breach. Outside of court, Jordan stated that he is open to a settlement, but willing to go to trial. Kessler warned that if 23XI and Front Row do not recover their franchises, they will close in 2026. Jordan stated that his goal is to improve the sport, and that he is willing to “fight to the end” for it.“Teams will regret not joining us,” Jordan wrote in a text message.
Michael Jordan, owner of the 23XI Racing team
