In their legal battle with NASCAR, Michael Jordan and the 23XI race team suffered a serious setback….
Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, co-owned with Denny Hamlin, has encountered a significant legal setback in its ongoing antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. A U.S. Court of Appeals recently overturned a preliminary injunction that had allowed 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to compete as chartered teams during the litigation process. This reversal jeopardizes their guaranteed race entries and associated financial benefits, as they now risk competing as open teams without assured spots or revenue sharing .
The dispute centers on NASCAR’s charter system, which 23XI and Front Row allege enforces monopolistic practices, including clauses that prevent teams from pursuing legal action against NASCAR. The teams argue that the system restricts competition and coerces teams into unfavorable agreements. NASCAR, in response, has countersued, accusing the teams of forming an “illegal cartel” to pressure the organization during charter negotiations .
Despite the appellate court’s decision, the legal battle continues, with a trial scheduled for December. 23XI Racing remains committed to challenging NASCAR’s practices, emphasizing the need for a more equitable and competitive environment within the sport .
