On October 2, 23XI Racing made headlines when they announced their decision to sue NASCAR. This bold move left veteran crew chief and FOX Sports analyst Larry McReynolds feeling uneasy. Co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing’s legal action caught McReynolds off guard, especially given the team’s relatively short time in the sport compared to more established organizations. In McReynolds’ view, the team’s actions were unwarranted and signaled a level of entitlement that didn’t sit well with him or others in the NASCAR community.
A month prior to the lawsuit, nearly every team in NASCAR had signed off on the governing body’s proposed charter agreement. Only two teams stood out for their refusal to accept the terms—23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM). Meanwhile, legacy organizations like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Richard Childress Racing, all with decades of experience and credibility, found the terms agreeable and signed the deal. McReynolds couldn’t understand why a team as new as 23XI, with less than four years in the sport, would take such a defiant stance against NASCAR, especially when the sport’s most respected figures were in agreement with the proposal.
McReynolds didn’t hold back his frustration. In a fiery statement quoted by @NASCAR_BRETT on social media platform X, he expressed his discontent with 23XI Racing’s decision: “We’ve got an organization that’s been here not even four years that all of a sudden is saying, ‘We gotta change the way NASCAR’s run.’ I’m all about change—change is what makes you better. But you know what? When I see Richard Childress, Jake Roush, Rick Hendrick, and Joe Gibbs, who have been here longer than some of these guys have been pooping yellow…and they signed off and said this is good…we’re okay,” he said.
McReynolds made it clear that, in his opinion, 23XI Racing’s stance was not only wrong but also disrespectful. He pointed out that teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, with their decades of experience and contributions to the sport, had accepted NASCAR’s proposal without issue. Meanwhile, a team that hadn’t yet established itself as a major player in the sport was trying to change how things had always been done.
The lawsuit, however, had even deeper roots. In 23XI Racing’s official statement, Michael Jordan spoke out against what he believed to be an unfair system. Jordan, known for his competitive spirit both on and off the court, emphasized that the lawsuit was a fight for fairness in NASCAR, not just for his team but for all teams, sponsors, and fans involved in the sport. “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,” Jordan said. He explained that he wanted to create a more level playing field, where success was determined by competition rather than business practices that, in his opinion, stifled growth and opportunity.
Jordan’s statement resonated with many, as he positioned himself as a voice for change in a sport that has been historically resistant to it. He framed the lawsuit as a necessary step toward a future where everyone could benefit, from the teams and drivers to the sponsors and fans. “Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins,” he added.
But it wasn’t just Jordan’s words that made waves. In a joint statement with Front Row Motorsports, 23XI Racing labeled NASCAR as “monopolistic bullies.” The teams claimed that their antitrust case was designed to break up the monopolistic practices they believed NASCAR was engaging in. They argued that this lawsuit was about making the sport more competitive and fair, a place where smaller teams could thrive without being overshadowed by corporate interests or unfair regulations.
In the eyes of 23XI Racing and their co-owner Michael Jordan, this lawsuit was more than just a legal battle—it was about changing the landscape of NASCAR for the better. They believed that by challenging NASCAR’s practices, they could push the sport toward a future that encouraged fair competition and gave every team, regardless of their size or financial backing, a shot at success. Whether or not they succeed in court, their bold stance has certainly sparked a larger conversation about the direction of NASCAR and what fairness truly means in the world of racing.
While Larry McReynolds and other NASCAR veterans may see 23XI Racing’s actions as disrespectful or misguided, there’s no denying that the team’s decision has shaken up the sport.
NASCAR veteran outraged by 23XI Racing and Michael Jordan’s comments in ongoing charter lawsuit
