In an appeal, Michael Jordan’s racing team loses their NASCAR charter (2)….
Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, co-owned with Denny Hamlin, has encountered a significant legal setback in its ongoing dispute with NASCAR over the sport’s charter system.
On June 5, 2025, the U.S. Court of Appeals overturned a previous preliminary injunction that had allowed 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete as chartered teams during the 2025 season. This reversal potentially jeopardizes their guaranteed entries into NASCAR Cup Series races and the associated financial benefits.
The controversy began when 23XI and Front Row declined to sign NASCAR’s new charter agreement in September 2024, citing concerns over restrictive clauses, including one that prohibited teams from pursuing legal action against NASCAR. They filed an antitrust lawsuit, alleging that NASCAR’s practices were monopolistic and detrimental to fair competition.
In response, NASCAR filed a countersuit, accusing the teams of forming an “illegal cartel” to undermine the organization. The legal battle is set to continue, with a trial scheduled for December 2025.
Without charters, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will have to compete as open teams, lacking guaranteed race entries and facing potential financial challenges. Their legal team remains committed to pursuing the lawsuit, aiming to address what they perceive as unfair practices within NASCAR’s charter system.
