NASCAR’s Power Struggle Hits Fever Pitch: Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing Fight for Survival
The battle brewing within NASCAR has reached a boiling point, with major players like Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing refusing to back down. It all began over two years ago when discontent over skyrocketing charter prices and limited revenue shares led to the formation of the Race Team Alliance, a coalition of NASCAR Cup Series teams. The tension escalated in October 2024 when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) filed a lawsuit against NASCAR, setting the stage for one of the most pivotal legal battles in the sport’s history.
23XI Racing and FRM Defy NASCAR
The refusal of 23XI Racing and FRM to sign the 2025 charter agreement has left their futures in limbo. Without a win in court, their participation next season hangs in the balance. But would NASCAR truly go so far as to oust two prominent teams, including one co-owned by global icon Michael Jordan?
Jordan’s involvement has undeniably brought massive attention to the sport. Since founding 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin in 2020, the six-time NBA champion has had a measurable impact, boosting NASCAR’s TV ratings and bringing new fans to the track. In 2024, Tyler Reddick came tantalizingly close to securing the Cup Series title for 23XI, while FRM has also been building momentum with Noah Gragson, a former Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) driver, joining their roster.
Adding to the intrigue, SHR has sided with 23XI and FRM in the lawsuit, claiming NASCAR’s actions caused “irreparable harm” when it blocked the sale of charters to these teams.
NASCAR’s Aggressive Approach
NASCAR hasn’t held back in its responses, taking an uncompromising stance in court. Speaking on a recent episode of Money Lap with Parker Kligerman, Xfinity veteran Landon Cassill called out NASCAR’s hostile tone. “Now that we’re starting to see NASCAR’s filings and responses… seems pretty aggressive to me. In one of the most recent ones, NASCAR makes reference to, ‘There is no charter offer available to those teams right now. If they want a charter, their only option is to win this lawsuit.’”
However, Cassill speculated that NASCAR’s aggression might be part of a broader strategy, one that ultimately seeks to keep 23XI Racing and FRM in the fold. “I don’t believe that to be true in the end. I think that whatever the settlement ends up being—if there is a settlement, as 23XI and FRM may go all the way with this—I think NASCAR wants 23XI in the charter field… FRM in the charter field. They want things back to where they were.”
Cassill also hinted at the unthinkable: if pushed too far, Jordan’s faction could fracture NASCAR by creating a rival series.
Jordan’s Team Refuses to Back Down
Despite setbacks, including Federal Judge Frank Whitney denying their preliminary injunction in November and NASCAR filing a motion to dismiss the case, Jordan’s team remains defiant. In a December 3rd filing, NASCAR argued, “Plaintiffs’ complaint reflects nothing more than dissatisfaction with business negotiations that didn’t go their way.”
Undeterred, 23XI Racing and FRM fired back, accusing NASCAR of monopolistic practices. Journalist Bob Pockrass shared their response, which claimed NASCAR’s control over racetracks, Next Gen suppliers, and racing agreements leaves teams with no viable alternatives. Their argument emphasized that NASCAR’s iron grip on the sport stifles competition and leaves teams trapped under its rules.
What’s Next for NASCAR?
While NASCAR continues its hardline stance, Landon Cassill believes a softer approach could emerge, especially with the influence of a figure as significant as Michael Jordan. As he noted, NASCAR ultimately benefits from having Jordan and his team involved in the sport.
For now, the battle rages on. With 23XI Racing and FRM unwilling to back down, and NASCAR showing no signs of relenting, this legal fight could reshape the future of stock car racing as we know it.
