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Jordan’s racing team and one other team have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, accusing them of being ‘monopolistic bullies’.
NBA legend and the world’s richest sportsman, Michael Jordan, has taken a bold step in the world of motorsports, dragging NASCAR into a legal battle.
Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, alongside Front Row Motorsports, has filed an antitrust lawsuit, accusing NASCAR of an unfair revenue-sharing system that stifles the potential for teams to turn a profit.
According to AOL, the lawsuit, filed in federal court, accuses NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France, of monopolistic practices, stating that these actions are detrimental to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans.
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“The France family and NASCAR are monopolistic bullies,” the teams claimed in the lawsuit.
“And bullies will continue to impose their will to hurt others until their targets stand up and refuse to be victims. That moment has now arrived.”
NASCAR and France, 79, have used “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices” to “enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams,” the two teams’ lawsuit alleges.
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"Every major sport goes through a moment when it needs to be transformed — when the people who are being treated unfairly stand up and say it’s time for change," the teams' attorney Jeffrey Kessler said in a statement to PEOPLE as per the aforementioned outlet.
"This is NASCAR’s moment, and that change is what we want from this case."
Michael Jordan issues statement amid legal battle with NASCAR
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Jordan’s lawsuit isn't just a call for financial reform; it’s a pivotal moment in motorsports history.
The billionaire sportsman known for his fierce competitive spirit both on and off the basketball court, released a heartfelt statement following the lawsuit filing.
"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 as per Motorsports Wire.
He emphasized that while he loves the sport and its passionate fanbase, NASCAR’s current operations are unjust, hindering teams, drivers, and sponsors from thriving.
As of October 2, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are the only two organizations that haven’t signed NASCAR’s latest charter agreement.
For now, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are still planning to compete in NASCAR.
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