🔗 Share this article

The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and novelty within the sport emboldened his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of competition laws.

Financial Stakes and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed operational insights of his racing venture, revealing he put in $40 million of his own funds into the Nascar Cup series team launched with business partner Curtis Polk and longtime driver Denny Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated during testimony. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport it needed to be looked at from a different view.”

The Core Dispute: Franchise System and Contract Pressure

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 deal where Nascar granted each team a franchise. The concept is similar to other major leagues with independent franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar demanded charter membership renewals.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and left the court to pandemonium, with fans and media clamoring for a glimpse or a photo of the global icon.

Leading the Legal Charge

23XI Racing is at the forefront of the push along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who preceded Jordan, are events from September 2024. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional six hours where the racing circuit told teams they had to sign a charter agreement extension. This agreement spanned over a hundred pages detailing team compensation and a guaranteed entry in Nascar-sponsored races.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports decided their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that extensive document and take the issue to court. All other teams signed the agreement.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin reached out to Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, Jordan said.

The Ultimate Motivation: Winning

Ultimately, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Success.

“Hamlin persuaded me getting a third driver boosted our odds of winning,” he testified, noting that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28 million despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Gibbs described her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the pressure of the signature deadline didn’t sit well.

She said, the team founder first tried to call and talk Nascar out of demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Don’t do this to us,” Heather Gibbs said was the message to Nascar’s leadership. The response was, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, I have 30.”