Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and others associated with 23XI Racing have filed a lawsuit against NASCAR, accusing the organization and its CEO, Jim France, of monopolizing stock car racing to benefit themselves, at the expense of racing teams. The lawsuit, filed in collaboration with Front Row Motorsports, claims NASCAR controls most of the tracks used in races and compels teams to purchase parts from its approved suppliers, limiting team autonomy and competition.
A key argument in the lawsuit is that teams spend millions on cars they can’t use in other racing circuits, hindering their ability to recover those investments. NASCAR, however, responded by dismissing the claims as baseless. The organization insists that the suit is an attempt by 23XI Racing and Front Row to obtain contract terms they had previously rejected, accusing them of trying to leverage legal pressure for better deals.
NASCAR is pushing for expedited discovery in the case and announced its plans to have 32 charters for the 2025 season. In light of the lawsuit, NASCAR stated it would reallocate funds that were initially designated for 23XI and Front Row to enhance prize money and awards for teams that have already secured their charters, as well as for Open teams.
Hamlin, on his podcast “Actions Detrimental,” expressed concern about the potential loss of charters, describing the situation as one that could cause “massive irreparable harm” to the involved teams. He emphasized the importance of operating as a chartered team while the legal proceedings unfold, as losing charters could have lasting impacts.
Despite the legal battle, Hamlin assured that employees at 23XI Racing would not be affected financially by the lawsuit. He affirmed that any financial burden would fall solely on the team’s owners, including himself and Jordan, to ensure the staff remains unaffected by the situation. Both sides continue to defend their stances in the escalating legal dispute.