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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, introducing himself formally in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and status as a newcomer motivated his effort with 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, revealing he put in $40 million of his own funds into the Cup Series operation launched with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said during testimony. “As a newcomer, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport required examination from a different view.”

Central Issue: Charter Agreements and Contract Pressure

At issue is the end of a 2016 deal where Nascar provided each team a “charter”. This system mirrors other major leagues with separately owned franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. The agreement was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar demanded teams renew their charters.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with onlookers and reporters clamoring for a view or a picture of the sports legend.

Spearheading the Fight

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

For Jordan and and Heather Gibbs, who preceded Jordan, are events from September 2024. She recounted a frantic and emotional period where the sanctioning body informed teams they had to sign a charter agreement extension. The document spanned 112 pages detailing team compensation and a guaranteed spot in every race.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally decided their only feasible option was to decline to sign that 112-page package and take the issue to court. The other 13 organizations signed the agreement.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin reached out to Nascar about potential amendments or extension options. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Victory

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was mostly about the usual bottom line for Jordan: Success.

“Denny convinced me getting a third driver boosted our odds of winning,” he testified, noting that he bought a third charter late in 2024 for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I took the plunge.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her request for permanent charters, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She said 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 declined the request.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Heather Gibbs said was the message to Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, I have 20. If I have 30, that’s the number.”