Watch: Michael Jordan ecstatic after Tyler Reddick keeps NASCAR hopes alive for 23XI Racing team
NBA legend Michael Jordan was a proud co-owner of 23XI Racing on Sunday as Tyler Reddick advanced to the NASCAR playoffs' Round of 8 following a dramatic race at the Charlotte Roval. The regular-season champion faced significant hurdles during the elimination race but managed to secure his place among the top contenders.
After Reddick clinched the Round of 8 berth, "His Airness" personally congratulated him on the track.
Watch Michael Jordan's reaction to the win here:
Reddick's playoff hopes were in jeopardy during the Bank of America Roval 400, but he raced through chaos to move on to the Round of 8.
Starting from the front row, Reddick capitalized on his position to win the first stage and earn valuable points. However, things took a turn in the second stage when he collided with Denny Hamlin, sending his car airborne while avoiding a crash involving Austin Dillon. Although he lost 13 spots, a timely caution allowed his team to repair the car without falling too far behind.
Reddick’s crew worked during the second stage break, but he still needed to climb the standings in the final stage. Competing against Chase Elliott and Joey Logano for a playoff spot, Reddick fought his way from 24th to 11th, narrowly avoiding disaster in turn seven by using Daniel Hemric’s car to prevent a spin.
Ultimately, Reddick gained 15 positions and outpointed Logano by four points, earning the last playoff spot and keeping his championship dreams alive.
Looking at Michael Jordan's team's antitrust lawsuit vs NASCAR
On Oct. 2, 2024, Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France. The suit alleges that NASCAR operates in a way that disproportionately benefits the France family while limiting opportunities for racing teams, drivers and sponsors.
At the heart of the lawsuit is NASCAR’s charter system, criticized for its lack of transparency and fairness.
The plaintiffs argue that the system binds teams to specific tracks and suppliers, making it difficult to be profitable. According to the lawsuit, teams receive only about 13% of NASCAR's revenue, which has been bolstered by television contracts worth approximately $23.1 billion since 2001.
In an interview with "Dirty Mo Media," lawyer Jeffrey Kessler explained how NASCAR is allegedly monopolistic.
"What we are arguing here is that NASCAR is a monopoly," Kessler said. "No surprise to NASCAR fans; there is no alternative to NASCAR not just in this country but frankly, around the world. And it got its monopoly illegally.”
“The reason it got it illegally is because it tied up all the racetracks in the country. Because it doesn't let any of the teams compete for any other racing circuit."
NASCAR introduced its franchise-based charter system in 2016, requiring teams to purchase charters in exchange for financial guarantees. Michael Jordan became the majority owner of 23XI Racing in September 2020.