**NASCAR Files Complaint Against Michael Jordan’s Racing Team and Curtis Polk, Accusing Them of Operating an Illegal Cartel**
In a recent complaint filed with federal authorities, NASCAR has accused NBA legend Michael Jordan’s racing team, 23XI Racing, and his longtime business partner, Curtis Polk, of running an illegal cartel within the racing industry. The complaint alleges that the duo has been engaging in anticompetitive practices that violate federal antitrust laws.
According to NASCAR’s filing, the accusations stem from coordinated efforts to manipulate team operations and restrict competition in the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) league. The complaint claims that 23XI Racing, co-owned by Jordan and Polk, colluded with other teams to fix driver salaries, influence sponsorship deals, and limit the number of cars entering races, thereby stifling fair competition and undermining the integrity of the sport.
The filing further accuses Jordan and Polk of using their significant influence in the business world to exert pressure on key stakeholders within the racing community, including sponsors and team owners. The complaint suggests that the pair, leveraging their financial clout and market positioning, attempted to control the flow of resources and opportunities, leaving little room for independent teams to thrive.
In response, representatives for Jordan and Polk have denied the accusations, asserting that 23XI Racing operates within the legal and ethical guidelines of the NASCAR organization. They argue that the team has always prioritized fair competition and transparency in its operations. Legal experts predict that this case will have significant ramifications for the future structure of NASCAR and other motorsport leagues if proven to be true.
The U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are expected to investigate the allegations further. The outcome of this case could reshape the landscape of professional racing.
