Fans Stunned After NASCAR Fires Back At Michael Jordan
10/18/2024 09:39 AM
Earlier this month two NASCAR teams, including one co-owned by former NBA superstar Michael Jordan, filed a lawsuit attempting to disrupt the sport.
23XI Racing filed a lawsuit against the racing federation, alleging that it and CEO Jim France have created an "unlawful monopolization of premier stock car racing in order to enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams."
Jordan's team filed its antitrust suit in partnership with Front Row Motorsports highlighted the "monopolistic" practices pointing out that NASCAR owns most of the tracks where the competitions are held and the organization forces teams to purchase parts from an approved list of suppliers.
"Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track," Jordan said of the lawsuit. "I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors and fans. Today's action shows I'm willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins."
It didn't take long before NASCAR fired back.
The organization claimed that the "plaintiffs have filed a meritless suit...alleging baseless antitrust claims in order to obtain commercial agreements they previously rejected, and to attempt to extort more favorable contract terms."
"NASCAR is working on reallocating funds that Plaintiffs would have received to increase prize money and other special awards for the 2025 season for the benefit of teams that timely executed 2025 Charters, as well as Open teams who can compete to win the increased prize money," the organization added.
Fans are enjoying the back-and-forth between the two sides.
"It's amazing to me to see such change. Remember when NASCAR was must see every weekend? Where did it go, what the heck happened?? They had the world by the balls," one person said.
"If Hamlin, Jordon et al left tomorrow they would only be a footnote. Nascar will race on. Of course if they win, whatever it is they want, The France Family could just say have a nice day, we're done. Then MJ and Denny can start their own series and be famous," offered another.
"I love the fact that 90 percent of the peanut gallery comments have never even seen a race … that's 2024 X. Greed is a nasty thing and I know all will prevail in a good way," added a third.
"It's time to pay the drivers and teams more. Yes nascar isn't as big as it was in the early 2000s but the racing is better now than it ever has been . The tv money is bigger than it ever has been. 23/11 isn't scared of Nascar and FRM isn't either," aid another.
Fans are clearly enjoying the ride, but how will it end?
