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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and status as a newcomer emboldened his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Competitive Drive

The owner disclosed operational insights of his 23XI team, saying he invested $40m of his own funds into the Cup Series operation launched with business partner Curtis Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan stated in the Charlotte courtroom. “I was a new person, I wasn’t afraid. I believed I could take on Nascar as a whole. From my perspective, the sport required examination through a new lens.”

The Core Dispute: Charter Agreements and Renewal Demands

At issue is the end of a 2016 deal where Nascar granted each team a franchise. This system mirrors other major leagues with separately owned franchises, such as the NBA’s Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was due to end in 2024 when Nascar insisted on teams renew their charters.

Jordan was on the witness stand for an hour and exited the courthouse to a media frenzy, with fans and media clamoring for a view or a picture of the sports legend.

Spearheading the Fight

23XI Racing is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to overhaul a business model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are details from September 2024. Gibbs described a hectic and tense six hours where the racing circuit informed teams they had to sign a contract extension. This agreement spanned 112 pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed entry in Nascar-sponsored races.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan explained that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports concluded their sole viable path was to refuse a signature that extensive document and litigate the matter. All other teams agreed to the terms.

The team owners reached out to Nascar about potential amendments or extension options. Nascar wasn’t talking, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Victory

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Winning.

“Hamlin persuaded me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he said, noting that he purchased another franchise last year for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Gibbs described her request for permanent charters, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the timing of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

She said, the team founder first tried to call and talk Nascar out of forcing signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Don’t do this to us,” Gibbs recounted Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s executives. She said France replied, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, that’s the number.”