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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, as he cordially introduced himself in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and novelty within the sport emboldened his push for 23XI Racing to confront Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Competitive Drive

The owner disclosed operational insights of his racing venture, revealing he put in $40m of his personal wealth into the Cup Series operation launched with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said during testimony. “As a newcomer, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar as a whole. I felt as far as the sport required examination through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Contract Pressure

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 agreement where Nascar provided each team a franchise. This system mirrors other major leagues with independent franchises, like the NBA’s Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. The agreement was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on teams renew their charters.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and exited the courthouse to a media frenzy, with onlookers and reporters vying for a glimpse or a photo of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

23XI Racing is leading the full-court press along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to overhaul a business model Jordan said is breaking the law to maintain excessive control.

For Jordan and and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are events from September 2024. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional six hours where the racing circuit informed teams they must sign a charter agreement extension. This agreement consists of over a hundred pages outlining pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in every race.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan said that his team and its ally decided their only feasible option was to decline to sign that 112-page package and take the issue to court. The other 13 organizations agreed to the terms.

The team owners reached out to Nascar about possible changes or extension options. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Winning

Ultimately, the resistance against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Winning.

“Denny convinced me adding a third car boosted our odds of winning,” he said, sharing that he bought a third charter late in 2024 for $28m despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Gibbs described her push for indefinite franchises, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

She said, Joe Gibbs first tried to call and talk Nascar out of forcing signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Gibbs recounted Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s executives. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If I have 30, that’s the number.”