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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, introducing himself formally in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and status as a newcomer emboldened his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of competition laws.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

Jordan shared financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, revealing he invested $40m of his own funds into the Nascar Cup series team launched with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan said during testimony. “As a newcomer, I had no fear. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport required examination through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Charter Agreements and Renewal Demands

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

Jordan testified for an hour and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with onlookers and reporters clamoring for a view or a photo of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

23XI Racing is at the forefront of the push along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to overhaul a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, who preceded Jordan, are events from September 2024. She recounted a hectic and tense period where the racing circuit informed teams they had to sign a contract extension. This agreement consists of 112 pages detailing team compensation and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

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 litigate the matter. The other 13 organizations signed the agreement.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin approached Nascar about possible changes or extension options. Nascar wasn’t talking, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Winning

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

“Denny convinced me adding a third car boosted our odds of winning,” he testified, noting that he bought a third charter late in 2024 for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Account from the Gibbs Family

Heather Gibbs detailed her request for permanent charters, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

According to her, the team founder first attempted to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader declined the request.

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