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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and novelty within the sport motivated his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of competition laws.

Financial Stakes and a Competitive Drive

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, saying he invested $40 million of his own funds into the Cup Series operation co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated during testimony. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport it needed to be looked at from a different view.”

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 Carolina Panthers. The agreement was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on charter membership renewals.

Jordan was on the witness stand for an hour and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with onlookers and reporters vying for a view or a picture of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

23XI Racing is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to change a business model Jordan contended is unlawful to maintain excessive control.

For Jordan and and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are details from September 2024. She recounted a hectic and tense six hours where the racing circuit told teams they must sign a charter agreement extension. The document spanned 112 pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan said that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports decided their only feasible option was to decline to sign that extensive document and litigate the matter. All other teams signed the agreement.

The team owners approached Nascar about possible changes or negotiations. Nascar wasn’t talking, according to his testimony.

The Ultimate Motivation: Victory

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a financially unsustainable model was mostly about the usual bottom line for Jordan: Winning.

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

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the pressure of the signature deadline was problematic.

According to her, the team founder first tried to call and talk Nascar out of forcing signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Don’t do this to us,” Gibbs recounted was the message to Nascar’s executives. The response was, “Whether I have 20 charters, I have 20. If I have 30, that’s the number.”