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The basketball icon, introducing himself formally in a Charlotte court on Friday, stated that his drive to win and status as a newcomer motivated his push for 23XI Racing to confront Nascar over alleged violations of competition laws.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, saying he invested $40m of his own funds into the Nascar Cup series team co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said in the Charlotte courtroom. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. From my perspective, the sport it needed to be looked at through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Contract Pressure

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

Jordan was on the witness stand for an hour and exited the courthouse to pandemonium, with fans and media vying for a view or a photo of the global icon.

Leading the Legal Charge

23XI Racing is leading the full-court press along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan contended is unlawful to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and a fellow team representative, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional period where the sanctioning body told teams they must sign a contract extension. The document spanned over a hundred pages detailing pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed entry in every race.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports decided their only feasible option was to decline to sign that 112-page package and take the issue to court. The other 13 organizations agreed to the terms.

Jordan and co-owner Denny Hamlin approached Nascar about potential amendments or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, according to his testimony.

The Bottom Line: Victory

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a financially unsustainable model was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Winning.

“Hamlin persuaded me getting a third driver improved our chances to win,” he testified, sharing that he purchased another franchise last year for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her request for permanent charters, submitted in a written letter to Nascar. She testified the timing of the contract signing demand was problematic.

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

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