Michael Jordan And Front Row Motorsports Are The Only Race Teams Still Standing Strong In The Face Of The NASCAR Case

“NASCAR and the France family operate without transparency, have stifled competition, and control the sport of stock car racing in ways that unfairly benefit them at the expense of team owners, drivers, sponsors, partners, and fans, through the following anti-competitive practices.”

“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. I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”

“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning. Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love. Together, we brought this antitrust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans.”
– 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports said in a joint statement

Via 23xiracing.com

“This is reminiscent for me of many sports that have gone through a transformative model, (It’s) sort of a moment when the legal style basically confronts them and says, either you’re going to voluntarily change or you’re going to be changed and you can either get on the bus or get run over by the bus. No one wanted this litigation but NASCAR didn’t really give these teams any choice — you either submit to the bully or you fight. They’re going to fight.”

“We think at the end of the day, NASCAR’s going to have to change because that’s what the legal system is going to require. If NASCAR is willing to change, it’s got to be a significant change to make a fair system for the teams, If they’re not willing to do that kind of a deal, then they’ll take this case all the way to a jury and a judge, and that’s why I say they’ll be forced to change. It’s the same type of thing I went through with the NCAA, who had a choice to make. They could keep fighting in court and keep losing and have the new system thrust upon them or in that case, they finally sat down and said, we’re ready to transform the sport and we’ll be a part of it. That’s the type of choice that NASCAR is going to face.“

“Founded in 1948, NASCAR’s business model has been based on the principle of independent stock car racing teams investing their own money and time for the opportunity to compete in premier stock car events at tracks largely owned by NASCAR’s ruling family, the Frances,“Whatever teams put in, NASCAR argued, would be rewarded with the glory of race wins and championships. However, even some of the most successful racing teams in NASCAR history have left the sport with little to show for it, at least not in their wallets, while the France family profited handsomely.”

“NASCAR set out on this journey to basically divide and conquer, and they were largely successful, I hate to say that but they were largely successful. Dusted off the 50-year-old playbook and said, ‘I’ll be dang, this thing still works, we can still intimidate the teams into signing a deal.’ September 6, that’s exactly what happened.” -Bob Jenkins, owner of the Front Row Motorsports

Via Racer.com

“A true partnership, not dictatorship, is our goal. For over two years, I have dedicated myself to championing a more fair and transparent system within NASCAR, where we recognize the importance of the France family and the sanctioning body, but do what is best for all stakeholders. The charter that was forced on the teams with only hours’ notice does not accomplish these objectives. The new charter is an attempt to further marginalize the teams’ voices in the sport and consolidate control and the power in the hands of the France family for their sole benefit. I hope our actions today lead to a future of collaboration for this great sport we love.”