Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing is on the verge of potentially changing the landscape of NASCAR forever. The antitrust lawsuit is still going in full swing right now. However, there is unfortunate news for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing in the latest developments of the lawsuit. The drama surrounding NASCAR’s charter system took a new turn recently when Michael Jordan’s team found out that there was a minor legal problem in their court filing.

NASCAR denies Michael Jordan yet again

In this news cycle of courtroom drama, the new judge has once again issued a ruling in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. On December 23rd, the court issued another denial to NASCAR. This comes at a time when NASCAR is desperately fighting to maintain its hegemony over the charter system. In a key legal update, Kelly Crandall reported on X: “Judge Bell has denied NASCAR’s motion for a partial stay on the preliminary injunction pending appeal.” This implies that NASCAR still won’t be able to control charter deals as long as the preliminary injunction ruling stands.

But fans of 23XI Racing shouldn’t start celebrating just yet. As the tweet continued to say, “However, NASCAR is only forced to approve the charter transfer for Front Row Motorsports. 23XI Racing will have to ask the court for the same relief since their charter…“. The preliminary injunction may still be in place, but for the sale of Stewart Haas Racing’s charters, it currently only applies to Front Row Motorsports.

This means NASCAR is now legally obligated to approve the charter transfer for Front Row Motorsports. However, Jordan’s 23XI Racing, which is also seeking its third charter from Tony Stewart’s Stewart Haas Racing, was not included in the original injunction because their charter transfer request wasn’t filed with the case. While this ruling is beneficial for Front Row Motorsports, it leaves 23XI Racing’s deal in limbo until the court addresses their specific situation. However, there is still hope, as the court has given Michael Jordan & Co. time to file new paperwork and approach the court to finalize their deal.

This legal drama has put 23XI Racing in a tricky position. Despite their high-profile ownership by Michael Jordan, they now have to wait for the court to extend the injunction to their charter transfer. For now, Front Row Motorsports has received the green light to proceed with their deal, but 23XI Racing will need to take extra steps to get the same legal approval.

A new revolt: Other teams watching closely

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For those who think this ends here, they might just lose their bets. This lawsuit could have far-reaching implications, as the legal precedents set here will be critical for the remaining 13 teams. While 23XI Racing waits for its hearing, other teams are undoubtedly watching this case closely, potentially preparing to follow in their footsteps. NASCAR’s current overreach and restrictions on charter transfers are seen by many as authoritarian. Restrictions like these directly work against the teams’ autonomy and financial freedom.

Team owners like Rick Hendrick (Hendrick Motorsports) and Richard Childress (Richard Childress Racing) have publicly admitted that they weren’t entirely ‘happy’ with the agreement but felt they had no choice but to sign it. Hendrick himself had stated, “Not everybody was happy. But in any negotiation, you’re not going to get everything you want.” Childress explained that he “didn’t have a choice” when asked about his decision to sign the charter.

Teams historically on good terms with NASCAR might now reconsider their position, realizing that NASCAR is not an impenetrable fortress. With the governing body appearing vulnerable, teams could find this an opportune moment to challenge NASCAR’s charter system. Michael Jordan & Co. have already set a precedent for pushing back, and this could inspire other teams to explore similar ways to assert their independence.

So what do you think will happen moving forward? Let us know in the comments.