Michael Jordan won many battles on the basketball court during his storied career and has started one now in a federal court, with his racing team 23XI Racing having sued NASCAR over antitrust violations. The first hearing with regards to the case was held in Charlotte on Monday and Jordan spoke to the media after the session.
“No, I’ve been in situations of disparity,” Jordan said when asked if he was disappointed that this situation is hanging over him as the team competes for the championship. “I think the race team is going to focus on what they have to do this weekend, which I expect them to.
“I think Jeffrey (Kessler) did an unbelievable job today. Yeah, I put all my cards on the table. I think we did a good job of that,” Jordan continued. “I’m looking forward to winning a championship this weekend.”
23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin and Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins have teamed up with Jordan on this case. The two teams sued NASCAR and chairman Jim France in October following months of negotiations over the charter system.
The two teams refused to sign the charter agreement offered by NASCAR in September, which they termed a last-minute, take-it-or-leave-it offer. They have contended that the charter system limits competition by unfairly binding teams to the series, its tracks, and its suppliers. The teams also stated in their lawsuit that the France family and NASCAR are “monopolistic bullies.”
As for this hearing, it was over a clause in that 2025 charter agreement, which prevents teams from taking legal action against NASCAR. 23XI and FRM, represented by Jeffrey Kessler, are asking for a temporary injunction that would allow them to compete in races as a charter team or a non-charter “open team” while pursuing action.
After listening to the points raised by Kessler and NASCAR’s attorney Christopher Yates, U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney stated he would reveal his decision on Friday. That’ll be just two days before the NASCAR Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Sunday.
23XI will take part in that race, with their driver Tyler Reddick advancing to the Championship 4 by winning at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27. Jordan was ecstatic after his team advanced to the NASCAR championship race, and understandably so, but depending on how this case pans out, Redick could leave as a free agent after this season. There is a lot riding on the outcome of this case.
While this legal battle taking place on the side can’t be ideal for anyone part of the team, Jordan doesn’t believe it will have a big impact on the racing crew. He remains supremely confident that they’ll be adding another trophy to their cabinet after winning the regular season championship in 2024.
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