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

Team Investment and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, revealing he invested $40 million of his personal wealth into the Nascar Cup series team launched with business partner Curtis Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated in the Charlotte courtroom. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport it needed to be looked at through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 deal where Nascar granted each team a “charter”. The concept is similar to other professional sports with separately owned franchises, such as the Charlotte Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. This deal was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on charter membership renewals.

Jordan testified for about sixty minutes and left the court to pandemonium, with fans and media vying for a view or a photo of the global icon.

Spearheading the Fight

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan said is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. She recounted a frantic and emotional period where the racing circuit informed teams they had to sign a charter agreement extension. The document spanned over a hundred pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in every race.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally decided their sole viable path was to decline to sign that extensive document and take the issue to court. All other teams agreed to the terms.

The team owners approached Nascar about possible changes or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Victory

Ultimately, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was mostly about the familiar goal for Jordan: Success.

“Hamlin persuaded me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he testified, noting that he purchased another franchise last year for $28 million despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Gibbs described her push for indefinite franchises, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She testified the pressure of the signature deadline was problematic.

She said, Joe Gibbs first attempted to call and talk Nascar out of forcing signatures, but Nascar’s leader declined the request.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Gibbs recounted Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “Whether I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, I have 30.”