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3h ago

Explosive Texts Surface in NASCAR Antitrust Fight as Judge Weighs Charter Reinstatement

The judge will rule next week on whether to restore 23XI and Front Row's charters pending a December 1 antitrust trial.

Michael Jordan is a co-owner of 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk. Image: Getty Images
Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • An acrimonious hearing in Charlotte disclosed expletive-laden texts from Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, including Jordan deriding teams that signed NASCAR’s charter deal and Hamlin expressing deep disdain for the France family.
  • Internal emails from NASCAR executives revealed a hardline posture, with Steve Phelps pushing for “zero wins for the teams” and Steve O’Donnell using harsher language while advocating a return to 1996-style terms.
  • U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell said the charter system could be at stake and will decide next week on the teams’ bid to regain chartered status through the season ahead of a December 1 trial.
  • NASCAR argues 23XI and Front Row forfeited six charters by refusing to sign last September, has them competing as open entries, and says it plans to begin selling those charters.
  • Plaintiffs warned the loss threatens their viability and sponsor commitments, citing notices tied to Tyler Reddick’s contract, while Jordan attended the hearing and said he is prepared to take the case to trial.