On October 2, 23XI Racing made waves by announcing a lawsuit against NASCAR, a move that shocked many, including longtime crew chief and FOX Sports analyst Larry McReynolds. Co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, the team’s bold decision left McReynolds uneasy. Given that 23XI Racing has only been around for a few years, their legal action seemed unwarranted, especially in a sport dominated by veteran teams with decades of experience. McReynolds felt this legal move was a sign of entitlement from a relatively new team, which didn’t sit well with him or much of the NASCAR community.
In the weeks leading up to the lawsuit, most NASCAR teams had agreed to the governing body’s proposed charter agreement. Only two teams refused to sign: 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM). In contrast, well-established teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Richard Childress Racing—all with long histories in NASCAR—had no problem with the deal. McReynolds found it puzzling that a newcomer like 23XI would go against the grain when so many respected organizations had already agreed to the terms.
McReynolds didn’t mince words when expressing his frustration. Speaking on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), he criticized 23XI Racing’s decision to challenge NASCAR’s authority. He said, “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 when I see Richard Childress, Jack 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.”
From McReynolds’ perspective, 23XI Racing’s actions were not only misplaced but also disrespectful to the sport’s veterans. He pointed out that legacy teams like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing, who have shaped NASCAR for years, had no issues with NASCAR’s proposals. Meanwhile, 23XI, a relatively young team, seemed intent on challenging the status quo.
However, the lawsuit was rooted in more than just a disagreement over the charter agreement. Michael Jordan, in a statement on behalf of 23XI Racing, argued that the current system in NASCAR was fundamentally unfair. Jordan, known for his fierce competitiveness, both on and off the basketball court, framed the lawsuit as a fight for fairness—not just for his team but for all teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans involved in the sport. He said, “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.” For Jordan, this legal battle was about leveling the playing field and ensuring that success in NASCAR was determined by skill and competition, not by business practices that hindered growth and opportunity.
Jordan’s message resonated with many, as he positioned himself as a force for change in a sport known for its reluctance to embrace it. He portrayed the lawsuit as a necessary step toward a more inclusive future, where everyone in the sport could benefit. “Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins,” Jordan added.
It wasn’t just Jordan’s words that caught attention. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports issued a joint statement in which they accused NASCAR of monopolistic behavior. They argued that their antitrust case aimed to dismantle the monopolistic practices that they believed were stifling competition within the sport. Their lawsuit was framed as a push for fairness, creating a space where smaller teams could thrive without being overshadowed by the massive corporate interests that dominate NASCAR.
For 23XI Racing and its co-owner Michael Jordan, this lawsuit was more than a legal battle—it was a challenge to the very structure of NASCAR. They believed that by confronting NASCAR’s practices, they could transform the sport into a more competitive and equitable environment. In their vision, this was a future where all teams, regardless of their financial backing or size, had a fair shot at success. Whether or not they win in court, their bold actions have certainly ignited a much-needed conversation about the direction NASCAR is headed and what true fairness looks like in the world of racing.
Though figures like Larry McReynolds and other NASCAR veterans may see 23XI Racing’s actions as rash or disrespectful, there’s no denying that the team’s bold stance has stirred up the sport. The legal battle has cast a spotlight on deeper issues within NASCAR, sparking debates about change, competition, and what the future holds for one of America’s most beloved sports. 23XI Racing has taken a risky move, but in doing so, they’ve forced everyone in the NASCAR community to reflect on how the sport should evolve in the years to come.
This NASCAR Legend Thrashed Michael Jordan Completely and 23XI’s Lawsuit Against NASCAR
