The tension has been rising ever since Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a lawsuit against NASCAR. Even though the sanctioning body hasn’t publicly commented on the situation, everyone involved would like a quick resolution to end the uncertainty. However, that might be easier said than done, given the magnitude and complexity of the court case. The two teams have hired reputed anti-trust attorney Jeffrey Kessler to take on the behemoth, which is NASCAR.

According to controversial insider Brett Griffin, the power struggle between NASCAR and its two rebellious teams has only just begun. Believing that the court case could drag on for years, Griffin is tempering expectations that a quick judgment is unlikely, given how much is at stake.

Griffin believes NASCAR isn’t going down without a fight

The decision to file a lawsuit didn’t happen overnight. Charter negotiations between NASCAR and its teams have been going on for two years, with plenty of back and forth between the two parties. Ultimately, the sanctioning body offered a take-it-or-leave-it-offer before the Cup Series playoffs began, threatening teams that they might risk losing their charters if the deal wasn’t signed. While 13 teams obliged, Michael Jordan’s co-owned 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports did not. Both parties jointly filed an anti-trust lawsuit, which alleges that NASCAR operates as a monopoly and uses anticompetitive practices for financial gain.

Speaking on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, NASCAR Insider Brett Griffin dismissed speculation that teams were fine with the terms being offered by NASCAR by saying, “I think they felt pressured to sign and I think they’re glad that these two organizations are bringing this to a legal matter.” Rejecting claims that the court case will be resolved in a couple of years, Griffin went on to say, “That will be for the court to decide. It’ll take forever. I heard the Kessler attorney say, ‘We hope to have this thing tried and heard in a year or two’. Well, good luck with that! How many years of history? What is NASCAR, an 85-year-old company at this point? No, 77-year-old company, if I were guessing. Good luck with that.”

Brett Griffin makes a valid point. Jim France has ruled NASCAR with an iron fist so far and he’s unlikely to go down without a fight, especially with so much at stake. The sanctioning body may attempt to settle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, but if that doesn’t succeed they will devote considerable resources to have the best legal defense at their disposal. Neither Michael Jordan nor Jim France consider failure as an option, which is why it’s likely that a resolution regarding such a complex issue will take time.

However, Michael Jordan is confident about his team’s chances, going on to say, “I wouldn’t have filed it if I didn’t think I could win.” If the judgment does go in 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport’s way, it could significantly change the NASCAR landscape. Would teams have permanent charters and a higher share in revenue from the media rights deal? Will they have a say in decisions that could potentially increase operational costs? Time will tell. While Jim France and the sport’s hierarchy are yet to publicly comment on the lawsuit, a bitter battle looks to be on the horizon.

Michael Jordan shares his views about the lawsuit

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It’s like history is repeating itself. During Michael Jordan’s time at the Chicago Bulls, his relationship with General Manager Jerry Krause was strained, to say the least. The NBA Hall of Famer is no stranger to questioning the status quo and doesn’t shy away from conflicts, irrespective of the consequences. Despite the significant investment made by 23XI Racing and the risk of losing its charters, Jordan along with the team’s co-owner Denny Hamlin are unconcerned about the repercussions. Their battle is not just for themselves, but for the rest of the NASCAR ecosystem as well, so that a more sustainable environment is created where all the stakeholders can thrive.

Hoping that the anti-trust lawsuit will bring about some much-needed reforms in NASCAR, Michael Jordan said, “Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. 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. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

While the remaining 13 teams play the role of onlookers, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are undertaking a bold step. If they do succeed, all the teams get better terms with a revised charter agreement, but if NASCAR emerges victorious, it could result in huge financial repercussions for the ‘rebellion’. As things stand, anti-trust attorney Jeffrey Kessler is expected to file an injunction so that both teams can compete in the Cup Series next year. That would be the first step towards a long and uncertain road ahead.