Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports File Antitrust

October 2, 2024 21

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On Wednesday, it was reported that 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan, and another NASCAR team, Front Row Motorsports, have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its chairman, Jim France.

The suit claims that the new charter system limits competition by unfairly binding teams to the series, its tracks, and its suppliers.

This lawsuit follows the signing of a 2025 charter agreement by 14 of the 16 NASCAR teams, with some reports indicating that teams were forced to sign under duress.

Both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports plan to expand to three cars in 2025, acquiring a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. The lawsuit emphasizes the teams’ desire to resolve the legal matter without hindering their growth or that of their drivers as they prepare for the 2025 season.

“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and winning is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Michael Jordan said in a statement released this morning. “I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans.”

In a joint press release, 23XI and Front Row stressed the need for change to level the playing field for all teams.

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning,” the statement read. “Off the track, we believe change is necessary for the sport we love. Together, we brought this antitrust case to help racing thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport that benefits teams, drivers, sponsors, and most importantly, fans.”

The lawsuit also mentions that on September 6th, NASCAR sent its final offers to all teams at 5 p.m., giving them only an hour to sign. NASCAR then extended the deadline to midnight. The timing of this legal action coincides with the upcoming elections, as many companies and individuals are pushing to resolve issues before the nation makes key decisions, while others seem to be waiting for election results to determine their next steps.