23XI Racing And Front Row Motorsports File Antitrust Suit In US Court Against NASCAR And Jim France
23XI Racing And Front Row Motorsports File Antitrust Suit In US Court Against NASCAR And Jim France
Refuse to sign a renewal of the system, citing ‘unfair terms’ and demanding a larger share
Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO Jim France in the US District Court, Western District of North Carolina, accusing the stock car series and the France family of using anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport.
In a joint statement, the two teams said, "We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning. Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love. Together, we brought this antitrust case so that racing can thrive and become a competitive and fair sport that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans."
The anti-competitive practices listed in the lawsuit include NASCAR's acquisition of most of the premier racetracks, the purchase of the competing series ARCA, policies prohibiting teams from participating in races outside of NASCAR and forcing the teams to buy supplies from NASCAR-selected companies.
The statement further read, "No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices.”
The major factor in the lawsuit is NASCAR's revenue-sharing charter agreement in 2016. Both teams had refused to sign a renewal of the system, citing ‘unfair terms’ and demanding a larger share.
They sought treble damages for the "anti-competitive terms that teams have been subject to under the 2016 charter agreement."
A member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Jordan, along with veteran drivers Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk, founded 23X1 Racing in 2020. Owner Bob Jenkins and Front Row Motorsports have been racing full-time since 2005.
Jordan stated, "Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and the will to win drives me and the entire 23XI team every week out on the track. I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today, it’s unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. The action shows I'm willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”
