NASCAR trial update Day 5: Michael Jordan takes a shot at Jim France in his courtroom testimony

NASCAR Antitrust Lawsuit Trial Begins In Charlotte, North Carolina - Source: Getty
NASCAR Antitrust Lawsuit day 5 update - Source: Getty

NASCAR analyst Matt Weaver recently dropped the update on the ongoing lawsuit between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and the governing body. Day five featured NBA legend Michael Jordan’s testimony, and he took shots at CEO Jim France.

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The situation was created after both Cup Series teams stood up to the sanctioning body and refused to sign the charter agreement last October. Following that, 23XI and FRM filed an antitrust lawsuit against the Stock Car Racing Association, accusing France of creating a monopoly in the sport. Later, on December 1, 2025, the lawsuit went on trial.

Reflecting on that, 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan was featured for his testimony. During the court session, Jordan directed his criticism towards Jim France. He began with the risk-to-reward ratio, noting that France has never once fielded a driver, yet drivers risk their lives every weekend.

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Continuing further, the 23XI Racing co-owner compared NASCAR to other major sports leagues and claimed that stock car racing is privately owned. He cited examples of the NBA and NFL, where teams also share financial power and have unions. Following that, Michael Jordan stated:

“I never saw Jim France drive a car or risk his life ... give a little more credit to those who put their life on the line."
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"No insurance. No union.. Thats where I thought the sport needed to grow. "We want control over our IP for our own benefit," he added.
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Despite calling out Jim France, the former NBA legend praised the France family for what they have built over the decades. But he believes the current model isn’t sustainable and needs a change. Jordan wants a fairer partnership, and he’s happy with a 50/50 split just like Formula One.


“He just wants someone else to pay our bills, not NASCAR”: Denny Hamlin called out the NASCAR CEO for no financial support

Ahead of the lawsuit being sent for trial, 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin called out CEO Jim France. Hamlin attended a meeting with France and Steve Phelps in 2022. During the meeting, Hamlin discussed the massive cost of building engines. However, the governing body asked the teams to cut the expenses nearly in half.

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Later, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver wrote an email to fellow Cup Series teams informing them about the same and called out France. He further claimed that engines require millions of dollars, and France asked him to cut it in half. Additionally, the governing body wants the OEMs to cover the costs.

Reflecting on the NASCAR CEO’s mindset, Denny Hamlin wrote:

"Jim doesn’t really value the current owners of our sport and what we bring. He believes that NASCAR itself is the show. He made a point to say that we have to continue to give OEMs tremendous value because they help support the teams. I honestly don’t think he understands that every teams OEM deal is different. I told him our 15M number is WITH OEM engine support."
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"In the end he just wants someone else to pay our bills, NOT NASCAR," he concluded.

NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin also called out ESPN senior writer Ryan McGee over his perspective on the ongoing lawsuit. He accused McGee of brainwashing fans with his propaganda-style article.

Get the latest NASCAR All-Star race news, Xfinity Series updates, breaking news, rumors, and today’s top stories with the latest news on NASCAR.

Edited by Karan Yadav
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