23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan and NASCAR CEO Jim France have appeared for the Yellawood 500 race at Talladega. While this would be normal, after the turn of events last week, their presence is significant.

For those who have missed out on events, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have filed an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR after failing to reach an agreement to sign the charter deal. Michael Jordan’s initial response was a statement, “Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

However, this was the only reaction the NASCAR community had from the NBA legend. Meanwhile, NASCAR and the France family have yet to comment on the lawsuit filed by the two teams. Having turned up at the racetrack to support his two drivers, Bob Pockrass caught up with Jordan to get his view on the whole situation.

It did feel like 23XI Racing with Jordan’s backing was looking to go all-in, but his comments paint a rather different picture. “It’s not just me; obviously, I think everybody should have an opportunity to be successful in any business. My voices say that it hadn’t been happening. I want it to be as quick as possible; I don’t want it to linger long. Hopefully, we can come to our senses and figure out something that makes sense for everybody.”

Meanwhile, making a rare appearance, Jim France was tight-lipped when asked about the tussle with Michael Jordan and his team. “Excited about our championship battles and looking forward to a fantastic race today.” These comments were more or less expected by France, but fans couldn’t help but share their views on the statement made by him.

Fans react to Jim France’s comments surrounding the lawsuit

The parties involved in a legal tussle are often advised by their teams to not make any comments publicly. Although Hamlin and Michael Jordan have been vocal about pitching their side of the story, there’s been no retaliation from NASCAR. Moreover, Jim France completely ignoring the comments has led to fans believing that they might be in the wrong and the allegations might be true. “Of course he wouldn’t comment. Their lawyers done told him that they are cooked on this one and if you make any public statement it will only get worse.”

Some of the NASCAR fans have seen this type of movie played out before. Back in 1969, during the inaugural race at Talladega, Bill France didn’t give in against the demands of the drivers union to boycott because of a Goodyear tire. Only two Cup drivers, Jim Vandiver and Bobby Isaac, featured in the race, the rest of the grid was filled with Xfinity Series drivers. Recalling, those events and drawing a parallel with today’s situation, a user on X wrote, “Kinda like 1969, France didn’t acknowledge the existence of the Professional Driver’s Association.”

However, this race fan found it hilarious that the media was pressing Jim France for a response, knowing he wouldn’t give them one. “He’s a CEO. Obviously he’s not going to answer questions at this point. Kinda funny that Bob thought he would. The media cracks me up. 🤣”

A few even started to build conspiracy theories that Jim France’s presence could prove detrimental to Denny Hamlin’s playoff run. Remember, Layne Riggs from FRM this week was reprimanded by the officials as he failed to clear tech three times during the Truck Series race? Fans were trying to connect the dots and thought that it was NASCAR’s retaliation to the lawsuit, and now the same could happen today. “Jim France when Denny’s car explodes during the pace laps today.”

For this fan, the arguments put forth by 23XI Racing and FRM were baseless. And while the two teams have resorted to taking NASCAR to court, their allegation would mount to nothing. “Translation: looking forward to the baseless lawsuit to be tossed by the court & are saddened by 23 IX & Front Row’s attempt at lawfare & a money grab.”

It is indeed a slippery slope for both parties involved; neither of them would like to stretch this for a long time. However, it remains to be seen what NASCAR’s course of action is going to be, as they seem to hold their cards pretty tight for the time being.