LIVE REPORT: NASCAR and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Strike a Groundbreaking Agreement
After months of heated disputes, NASCAR and its rebellious teams have reached a truce, marking a significant turning point in one of the sport’s most dramatic legal battles. The controversy, which had split NASCAR into factions, has now come to a tentative resolution, with Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) emerging with a substantial victory.
A Major Win for 23XI and FRM
In a stunning development, Bob Pockrass broke the news on X, announcing:
“BREAKING: 23XI and Front Row Motorsports have obtained the preliminary injunction to race as chartered teams in 2025 as well as for approval of the SHR transfers.”
This ruling represents a major triumph for the teams, as they successfully challenged NASCAR’s handling of charter agreements.
The case gained momentum after Joe Custer of Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) revealed a critical issue. According to Custer, NASCAR had failed to honor its promise to transfer charters owned by Tony Stewart and Gene Haas to 23XI Racing. The charters, reportedly worth $25 million each, amounted to a staggering $50 million in value, making this a crucial victory for 23XI and FRM.
Reacting to the news, Denny Hamlin shared his excitement on X, posting: “YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!”
Meanwhile, Custer didn’t hold back, calling out NASCAR’s actions:
“NASCAR officials conveyed to me on more than one occasion that once the Buyers submitted their Transfer Approval Forms and signed their respective Joinder Agreements, NASCAR would promptly provide the necessary approvals to transfer the Charter Agreements to the Buyers.”
The Battle Isn’t Over
Despite this breakthrough, the lawsuit remains unresolved, and the coming days are expected to reveal whether NASCAR will fully comply with the drastic steps proposed by Michael Jordan’s camp.
Adding to the drama, Jordan’s Air Jordan brand hosted the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte, where a subtle yet pointed message was delivered. A 23XI Racing exhibition car was prominently displayed at the event—but without the NASCAR logo, a clear jab amid their ongoing legal battle.
A Jab from NASCAR?
This move by Jordan’s team mirrored NASCAR’s own sly dig earlier this year. After Joey Logano claimed his third championship, NASCAR shared an image of him holding Monopoly cards, a direct reference to accusations from Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing that NASCAR operates as a “monopolistic” organization. Hamlin fired back, commenting: “Monopoly cards. Perfect.”
What’s Next?
The tug of war between NASCAR and 23XI Racing has reached a new chapter, with 23XI and FRM securing critical victories. However, the battle is far from over. With legal updates pending, the question remains: Will NASCAR bend further to the demands of its challengers, or is more courtroom drama on the horizon?
For now, one thing is certain: the stakes are higher than ever, and Michael Jordan and his team are determined to keep pushing forward.
