23XI owner Michael Jordan shares first thoughts after Charlotte court hearing - "I'm looking forward to winning the championship this weekend"
Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin attended the preliminary injunction hearing at Charlotte today alongside FRM's Bob Jenkins. The NBA legend and FRM owner Jenkins are in a legal proceeding against NASCAR owner Jim France for running an unfair business model.
Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing and FRM sued the Stock Racing governing body in October after failing to reach an acceptable agreement with the charters. The two teams refused to accept NASCAR's last-minute offer to other teams in September, and in turn sued them, which led to a legal proceeding at Charlotte today.
When asked about the upcoming championship 4 finale in Phoenix this weekend, Jordan was visibly calm and collected in his response.
The former Chicago Bulls icon replied: (Quotes via Jeff Gluck)
"No, I've been in situations of disparity. I think the race team is going to focus on what they have to do this weekend, which I expect them to. I think Jeffrey did an unbelievable job today and I have put all my cards on the table. I think we did a good job at that."
"I'm looking forward to winning the championship this weekend."
Michael Jordan's driver Tyler Reddick will be in the hunt for his as well as 23XI Racing's maiden Cup Series championship at Phoenix. Reddick will battle it out against defending champion Ryan Blaney, 2-time champion Joey Logano, and Hendrick Motorsports' William Byron.
NASCAR owner Michael Jordan's expedited discovery bid rejected by court
In the legal battle between NASCAR and Michael Jordan and co., it was the former that drew first blood with a minor win. A federal judge ruled against the two teams for an expedited discovery motion. U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney rejected 23XI's motions which would have forced NASCAR to give away various key documents.
According to Sportico, which received a 6-page order, Whitney wrote:
"While the discovery requests are depicted as “narrowly tailored” and non-burdensome, “that is not the case.” To that point, Whitney noted that six of eight sets for requested documents go to “the crux of plaintiffs’ case” and their scope is “overly broad.”"
"Whitney also found it problematic that the plaintiffs demand eight years of documents, an elongated time frame that would place a “significant burden” on NASCAR. Making the potential burden even more onerous, Whitney reasoned, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports “seek all of this information within five days” of an order granting expedited discovery."
Despite the small setback, Michael Jordan will be focusing more on Tyler Reddick's shot at the title in the final race of the season. After multiple accolades in Basketball and the NBA, Jordan would love to taste the champagne as a victorious NASCAR team owner as well.