Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing joins Front Row Motorsports in filing an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO

CNN
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As the season nears its annual climax, two NASCAR teams, one co-owned by legendary Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, have sued the motorsports series and its CEO Jim France, calling them “thugs.”

Jordan's 23XI Racing, which is co-operated with three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin and Front Row Motorsports, allege NASCAR has “used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport.”

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition and winning. Away from the track, we share the belief that change is necessary for the sport we love.

“Together, we have moved this antitrust case forward so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport that benefits teams, drivers, sponsors and, most importantly, fans,” 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports said in a joint statement.

“No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches itself through such uncontrolled monopolistic practices,” the statement continued.

In the federal antitrust lawsuit filed Wednesday and obtained by CNN, the two teams said, “The French family and NASCAR are monopolistic tyrants.”

“And bullies will continue to enforce their will to hurt others until their targets stand up and refuse to be victims.”

CNN has reached out to NASCAR for comment.

Jordan said he wants a system that is fair for all teams and an environment where everyone has a chance to succeed.

“I love racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors and fans,” the five-time NBA MVP said in his statement. “Today’s action shows that I am ready to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports, expressed a similar sentiment.

“I have been part of this racing community for 20 years and could not be prouder of the Front Row Motorsports team and our success. But it’s time for change,” Jenkins said.

“We need a more competitive and fair system where teams, drivers and sponsors can be rewarded for our collective investment by building long-term shareholder value, just like any other successful professional sports league.”

The lawsuit follows more than two years of negotiations between NASCAR and racing teams. The motorsport association wanted to update its statutes, which include the revenue sharing model.

“Founded in 1948, NASCAR's business model is based on the principle of independent stock car racing teams investing their own money and time for the opportunity to compete in premier stock car events at tracks largely owned by the ruling family of NASCAR, which Frances owns,” the lawsuit said.

“Whatever the teams accomplish, NASCAR argued, would be rewarded with the glory of race victories and championships. However, even some of the most successful racing teams in NASCAR history have little to offer the sport, at least not in their wallets, while the French family benefited significantly.”

According to the Associated Press, Jenkins said he has never made a profit since joining NASCAR in 2005.

While 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports said they did not sign the new agreements, the lawsuit alleges that some teams felt they had no choice but to sign.

“Given the take-it-or-leave-it proposition and the lack of competition for premier stock car racing in the United States, most teams concluded they had to sign. One team described his signing as “forced” while another said it was done “under duress.” A third team said NASCAR “put a gun to our heads” and we “had to sign,” the lawsuit continues.

NASCAR's Cup Series is currently in the playoff round of 12. On Sunday, the teams will race at Talladega Superspeedway for the YellaWood 500 in Alabama.

Currently, 23XI Racing's No. 45 and No. 23 cars sit 9th and 19th in the owner standings, respectively.