“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team.” Michael Jordan’s words echoed last year in October, when the NASCAR lawsuit first came out. They paved the path for multiple rounds of victory on Jordan’s part, ranging from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports securing chartered statuses to the court reversing efforts to dismiss the lawsuit. Now, the court allowed the sport some legroom, but it failed to utilize the opportunity.

On March 6th, NASCAR released a counterclaim against Michael Jordan, mounting ferocious accusations against his close advisor. So the court allowed NASCAR to build its argument more, but according to an insider, it could not do so well.

Michael Jordan deflects an attack with no effort

Well, NASCAR’s claims about Curtis Polk, 23XI Racing co-owner, were not smooth. 23XI and Front Row were the only two organizations out of 15 that refused to sign the new charter agreements. In a 30-page filing, the sanctioning body asserted that the 23XI co-owner “willfully” violated antitrust laws by orchestrating anticompetitive collective conduct by trying to rope in more teams in the lawsuit.

On April 17th, NASCAR asked Judge Kenneth D. Bell to allow it to widen the scope of its claims. Judge Bell granted the motion, reasoning that “claims may be freely amended and that is why he is allowing it,” according to journalist Bob Pockrass. Despite this opportunity to rehash its offensive, NASCAR has failed to make an impact.

Bob Pockrass posted a follow-up on the motion, commenting on what interesting nuggets the sanctioning body included. Despite the rising anticipation around what Michael Jordan may need to deal with next, it turns out to be nothing more than a fluke. Pockrass wrote on X: “NASCAR filed its amended counterclaim, but I didn’t see anything hugely new. Many items, like in original, are redacted. Basically, they say the teams illegally colluded to get better charter terms. Past 23XI/FRM filings argue that teams have to work together in such negotiations.”

Evidently, NASCAR’s fresh round of attack fell apart due to a lack of substance. Judge Bell even allowed the entry of other teams in the lawsuit in case their testimonials are required. Pockrass wrote, “Judge also has asked 23XI/FRM and NASCAR as to whether other chartered teams are required parties in the counterclaim under federal court procedure that requires parties that could be substantially impacted by the ruling to be added to the case.” However, now it appears that Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk’s ‘illegal’ collusion of other teams may not be so illegal after all.

For the follow-up hearing, Judge Kenneth Bell allowed NASCAR no more scope than what is required to expand its claims. Bell’s statement reads, “The briefs shall be limited to no more than 15 pages in length. No other reply or response briefs are permitted, as it is clear that the Parties well understand each other’s positions based on the earlier briefing. However, the Court will schedule oral argument on the Motions to Dismiss if it believes it is necessary to do so.”

As NASCAR proceeds to hit yet another roadblock, Michael Jordan and Co. may be rejoicing. With things going smoothly so far in the courtroom, racetrack ventures also do not look so bad.

Trending

1

“Love You”: Joe Gibbs Grandson in Mourning as Closest Friend of Years Passes Away

2

Kyle Busch Snags a Nearly $2 Billion Sponsor as RCR Prepares for Damage Control

3

“Condolences & RIP” NASCAR Community Joins in Mourning as One of Their Own Loses His Mother

4

NASCAR Veteran Gets Emotional as He Reveals Poignant Dale Earnhardt Sr. Memory That Forged Their Friendship

5

NASCAR Insider Rubbishes Allegations of a False Start That Cost Kyle Larson a Win in Texas

Jordan has a new face around the block

23XI Racing has been in the spotlight for some months now. That is not only because of the NASCAR lawsuit, but also due to significant racing milestones. Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Toyota, won the Cup Series regular season championship in 2024. He even made it into the Championship 4, falling short of clinching the title narrowly. With Reddick and his teammates already being inspiring icons, Michael Jordan is prepared to pull in a new face.

Corey Heim is a trendsetter in the Craftsman Truck Series. Piloting the No. 11 TRICON Garage Toyota, he won six races en route to a 2nd-place finish in the championship standings in 2024. The 23-year-old driver is making waves in 2025 as well. Last weekend at Texas Motor Speedway, Corey Heim dominated the field to win the SpeedyCash.com 250. He led for 96 of the 174 laps while surviving two wild overtime restarts.

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, was awestruck. He said, “Holy cow. I mean, just better than everybody by a significant amount. Man, just got to give him props for…he certainly should have won every Truck race this year by a lot, but have had some crazy bad luck happen to him. But it’s good to see this one not yanked away from him.” Accordingly, Heim got a ticket to his Cup Series debut. He will drive for 23XI at Kansas Speedway in the AdventHealth 400, as part of his limited 2025 schedule.

Michael Jordan is acquiring winners at the racetrack. Similarly, the 23XI Racing co-owner is winning in the courtroom so far. Let us see how the NASCAR lawsuit develops next.