NASCAR has been Warned of a Catastrophic Loss After Offending Michael Jordan & Co inLawsuit

Michael Jordan Accuses NASCAR of Victim-Blaming in High-Stakes Antitrust Lawsuit: A Battle for the 2025 Season

In a bold move, Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has accused NASCAR of victim-blaming in an escalating antitrust lawsuit that could have serious repercussions for the sport’s future. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) are taking legal action, seeking a temporary injunction that would allow them to compete as chartered teams in the upcoming 2025 season. This legal battle centers around a take-it-or-leave-it charter agreement, which was signed by 13 teams in September but rejected by 23XI and FRM.

In their lawsuit, the teams have labeled NASCAR as “monopolistic bullies,” accusing the organization of attempting to stifle competition. U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney initially denied their request for an injunction, but in a surprising twist, he was replaced by Judge Kenneth D. Bell on Wednesday, after the court announced that Whitney would no longer be overseeing the case. In a new court filing, the teams assert that NASCAR is “blaming victims for asserting their antitrust rights,” intensifying the already heated dispute.

The Fallout: What Could This Lawsuit Mean for NASCAR?

As the legal drama unfolds, NASCAR faces significant uncertainty about its future. Motorsport journalists Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi discussed the potential fallout from this lawsuit, which could shake the foundation of the sport. Gluck raised the question: “What do you think? Could this be the worst outcome for the sport? Could it fracture like IndyCar?”

Bianchi responded, drawing parallels to the infamous “Open Wheel War” of the 1990s, when IndyCar suffered a major split between CART and the Indy Racing League (IRL). He warned that a similar rift in NASCAR could have disastrous consequences. “If 23XI Racing, FRM, and potentially other teams leave NASCAR and form their own series, it could severely weaken NASCAR’s grid,” Bianchi explained. “The worst case is a split, where teams leave to form a rival series, creating competition for teams, drivers, and sponsors, making it harder for NASCAR to fill its grid.”

A Potential Rival Series?

A fracture in NASCAR could lead to a competitive split, with a new rival series attracting top teams, drivers, and sponsors looking for a more favorable environment. This would not only hurt NASCAR’s commercial appeal but could also fracture its fanbase, much like what happened with IndyCar after the 1990s split. NASCAR, once the dominant force in American motorsports, could face a long, hard recovery.

While this scenario remains speculative, 23XI Racing and FRM are actively preparing for the 2025 season, suggesting they aren’t planning on walking away from NASCAR anytime soon.

The Road Ahead: 23XI and FRM’s 2025 Plans

Both 23XI Racing and FRM are busy building their teams for next season, regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome. 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, recently announced that Riley Herbst will join their lineup as a third driver for the 2025 season. Herbst, who will drive the No. 35 Toyota, will work alongside established stars Bubba Wallace (No. 23) and Tyler Reddick (No. 45).

Steve Lauletta, 23XI Team President, stated, “As we enter our fifth season, we felt the time was right to expand our organization. Riley is a great fit, and we know that Bubba and Tyler will be fantastic resources as Riley transitions to the Cup Series.”

On the other hand, FRM, led by Bob Jenkins, is also preparing for 2025 with a full-time lineup featuring Noah Gragson (No. 4) and Todd Gilliland (No. 34). The team is actively working on acquiring a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), but the deal remains contingent on the resolution of the lawsuit. Despite this, Gragson seems confident that FRM will race in 2025, even if he’s not fully aware of the lawsuit’s implications. “I’m so disconnected. I just do what I’m told,” Gragson told Matt Weaver for Sportsnaut.

What’s Next for NASCAR?

While the legal saga continues, the burning question remains: will 23XI Racing and FRM race in 2025? The stakes are incredibly high, and the future of NASCAR could be dramatically reshaped based on the outcome of this lawsuit.

FAQ

Q: What is the lawsuit about?
A: 23XI Racing and FRM are suing NASCAR, seeking a temporary injunction to be recognized as chartered teams for the 2025 season. They argue that NASCAR is violating antitrust laws and have accused the organization of “monopolistic bullying.”

Q: Why did 23XI Racing and FRM reject NASCAR’s charter agreement?
A: Both teams refused to sign NASCAR’s take-it-or-leave-it charter agreement presented in September, which 13 other teams accepted. They believe the agreement restricts their ability to compete fairly in the sport.

Q: How could this lawsuit affect NASCAR?
A: If 23XI Racing, FRM, and other teams leave NASCAR to form a rival series, it could fracture the sport, causing a loss of teams, sponsors, and fans. This scenario could mirror the devastating split in American open-wheel racing in the 1990s.

Q: What are 23XI Racing and FRM doing for the 2025 season?
A: 23XI Racing is adding a third car with driver Riley Herbst for 2025, while FRM is fielding full-time cars for Noah Gragson and Todd Gilliland. Both teams are planning to compete despite the ongoing lawsuit.

Q: Will 23XI Racing and FRM race in 2025?
A: While the lawsuit remains unresolved, both teams are actively preparing for the 2025 season, suggesting that they will likely compete next year.

The outcome of this legal battle is still uncertain, but it could set a precedent that changes the course of NASCAR’s future. Stay tuned as the situation develops.

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