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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, introducing himself formally in a Charlotte court on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and status as a newcomer motivated his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of competition laws.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

Jordan shared financial and corporate details of his racing venture, revealing he put in $40 million of his own funds into the Nascar Cup series team co-founded with business partner Curtis Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated 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 through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Contract Pressure

The heart of the case involves the end of a 2016 agreement where Nascar granted each team a franchise. This system mirrors other professional sports with separately owned franchises, like the NBA’s Hornets or the Carolina Panthers. This deal was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on teams renew their charters.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with fans and media vying 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 Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is breaking the law to maintain excessive control.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, 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 contract extension. This agreement consists of 112 pages outlining team compensation and a guaranteed spot in every race.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan said that his team and its ally concluded their only feasible option was to decline to sign that extensive document and litigate the matter. All other teams signed the agreement.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin approached Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Winning

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

“Denny convinced me adding a third car boosted our odds of winning,” he testified, noting that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I took the plunge.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a formal letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

She said, Joe Gibbs first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against forcing signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Please don’t force this on 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, that’s the number.”