Michael Jordan talks championship goals amid legal battle

23XI team owner Michael Jordan. Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Michael Jordan: 23XI Racing 'looking forward to winning a championship' amid legal battle

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Nov 4, 2024 7:20 PM ET

On Monday, plaintiffs and lawyers for both NASCAR and 23XI Racing met in a Charlotte courtroom to discuss the latter's suit against NASCAR.

Jeffrey Kessler, who is representing 23XI, spoke to the media after a judge ruled that the court will rule Friday whether or not 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports can retain their charters while the teams battle NASCAR in an antitrust case.

"I think we laid out very clearly what our case is," Kessler said. "I think the other side (NASCAR) worked very hard with their papers and presentation to present a case that doesn't exist, and I think by the end of the hearing it was very clear what we're asking for and why we're entitled to that belief. I am optimistic that we're right. Hopefully, the judge will see it the right way and we will eventually prevail in this case."

Lead attorney Jeffrey Kessler, flanked by his clients, feels confident that they laid out facts against NASCAR, which he said focused on presentation.

He's fine with the timeline and feels as though he made the judge aware of the facts. This case is complicated. pic.twitter.com/577WEO1rFk
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) November 4, 2024

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will each field another entry during the 2025 Cup Series season, using charters that are set to be purchased from Stewart-Haas Racing, which is shutting down at the conclusion of 2024. However, those charters could be hung up depending on which way the trial goes.

"I think we stated on our papers in court that those transactions are expected to go forward," Kessler said.

A ruling on Friday would come on the same weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series championship race, in which 23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick will be attempting to win the team's first title.

"I think the race team is going to focus on what they have to do," said 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan. "I think Jeffrey (Kessler) did an unbelievable job today. I'm looking forward to winning a championship this weekend."

Practice for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series championship race will be held on Friday evening, with qualifying taking place on Sunday afternoon.

The 2024 NASCAR Cup Series championship race will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10. The green flag will fly shortly after 3 p.m. ET, with coverage on NBC, Peacock, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

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