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The basketball icon, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, stated that his drive to win and status as a newcomer emboldened his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of competition laws.

Financial Stakes and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed operational insights of his 23XI team, revealing he invested $40m of his own funds into the Nascar Cup series team co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said in the Charlotte courtroom. “I was a new person, 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 Renewal Demands

The heart of the case involves the end of a 2016 agreement where Nascar provided each team a “charter”. The concept is similar to other major leagues with independent franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. The agreement was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar demanded charter membership renewals.

Jordan testified for about sixty minutes and left the court to pandemonium, with onlookers and reporters vying for a view or a photo of the sports legend.

Spearheading the Fight

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are details from September 2024. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional period where the sanctioning body informed teams they had to sign a contract extension. This agreement spanned over a hundred pages detailing team compensation and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally decided their sole viable path was to refuse a signature that 112-page package and litigate the matter. The other 13 organizations agreed to the terms.

The team owners reached out to Nascar about potential amendments or extension options. Nascar wasn’t talking, Jordan said.

The Bottom Line: Victory

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

“Denny convinced me getting a third driver improved our chances to win,” he testified, noting that he purchased another franchise late in 2024 for $28m despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Account from the Gibbs Family

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a written letter to Nascar. She said the pressure of the signature deadline didn’t sit well.

According to her, Joe Gibbs first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Don’t do this to us,” Heather Gibbs said was the message to Nascar’s leadership. The response was, “Whether I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, I have 30.”