The legal battle between NASCAR and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team has intensified, 

with the motorsports organization filing a countersuit against 23XI Racing and co-owner Curtis Polk. 

The lawsuit, filed on March 5, alleges that Jordan’s team, along with Front Row Motorsports, 

engaged in antitrust violations, including interfering with NASCAR’s broadcast agreements, 

organizing potential boycotts, and attempting to control negotiations unfairly.

NASCAR’s Allegations Against 23XI Racing

According to court filings, NASCAR has accused 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports of operating as an “illegal cartel.” 

The suit claims that Curtis Polk, who has long served as Michael Jordan’s business manager, led efforts to pressure other teams into resisting NASCAR’s charter agreement renewal. The organization argues that Polk and the teams conspired to disrupt negotiations by discouraging cooperation with NASCAR and intimidating teams considering breaking away from the alleged coalition.

In response to these claims, NASCAR is seeking triple damages and the removal of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ guaranteed starting spots in the Cup Series if the dispute continues. NASCAR’s attorney, Chris Yates, emphasized that the governing body is not interested in settling the matter outside of court.

“The deal is the deal,” Yates stated. “Front Row and 23XI may think that by suing NASCAR, they can achieve better terms. But that is not NASCAR’s intent at all.”

Background on the Dispute

The countersuit follows a legal challenge filed in October 2024 by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The teams accused NASCAR of monopolistic behavior, claiming that the organization engaged in “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices.” Their lawsuit pointed to what they described as an unfair revenue-sharing system that limits the financial success of race teams, making it difficult for them to operate independently from NASCAR’s control.

“The France family and NASCAR are monopolistic bullies,” the teams stated in their lawsuit, referring to the founding family that still runs the organization. “And bullies will continue to impose their will to hurt others until their targets stand up and refuse to be victims. That moment has now arrived.”

Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Push Back

After NASCAR’s countersuit was filed, attorneys representing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports dismissed it as a “meritless distraction.” In a statement, team attorney Jeffrey Kessler called NASCAR’s legal maneuvering a desperate attempt to shift attention away from what he described as their own monopolistic practices.

“Every major sport goes through a moment when it needs to be transformed—when the people who are being treated unfairly stand up and say it’s time for change,” Kessler explained. “This is NASCAR’s moment, and that change is what we want from this case.”

Front Row Motorsports, owned by businessman Bob Jenkins, is one of the few remaining independent teams in NASCAR. Along with 23XI Racing, they argue that the charter agreement, initially established in 2016, has failed to support smaller teams, favoring wealthier organizations with deeper ties to NASCAR’s leadership.

The Stakes for NASCAR’s Charter System

NASCAR’s current charter system was implemented to provide long-term security for teams, ensuring them guaranteed entry into races and a share of television revenue. However, the lawsuit challenges the fairness of this system, with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports asserting that it disproportionately benefits certain teams while leaving others struggling to stay competitive.

The outcome of this legal battle could have major implications for the sport. If 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports succeed in court, NASCAR’s charter system may be abolished, changing the financial landscape of stock car racing. NASCAR, on the other hand, is determined to maintain control, arguing that the current system is necessary to sustain the sport’s business model.

What’s Next?

A jury trial for the lawsuit against NASCAR is set to begin on December 1, 2025. Until then, both sides are expected to continue their legal battle in court, with NASCAR fighting to defend its structure and 23XI Racing pushing for fundamental changes to how the sport is managed.

As the legal proceedings unfold, this case will likely shape the future of NASCAR’s ownership model, potentially altering the way race teams operate and negotiate their financial agreements.

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