In a surprising development, Michael Jordan has announced his resignation from NASCAR, citing personal reasons and the emotional toll the sport has taken on him. Jordan, the NBA legend and co-owner of 23XI Racing, expressed that the intense commitment and stress required to run a competitive team had begun to weigh heavily on him. He stated, “I cannot take it again. It’s been an incredible journey, but I’ve realized that my priorities need to shift.” citeturn0search9
Jordan’s departure marks a significant shift in his relationship with the motorsport world, which he entered in 2020 with a goal to bring fresh energy and diverse perspectives to NASCAR. Under his leadership, 23XI Racing made notable strides, achieving impressive results and attracting new fans to the sport. However, the demands of the sport, combined with his other commitments, have proven to be more than he anticipated.
This resignation comes amid ongoing legal disputes between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR. The teams have been involved in an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, challenging the charter system that they argue limits competition and unfairly binds teams to the series. A federal judge recently ruled that 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports would be allowed to compete in the 2025 season as chartered teams, a decision that has been pivotal in the ongoing legal battle. citeturn0news11
Jordan’s resignation raises questions about the future of 23XI Racing and its involvement in the ongoing legal disputes. It remains to be seen how this development will impact the team’s operations and their stance in the lawsuit against NASCAR.
