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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, introducing himself formally in a federal courtroom on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and novelty within the sport motivated his push for 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over perceived violations of competition laws.

Team Investment and a Will to Win

Jordan shared operational insights of his 23XI team, revealing he put in $40m of his personal wealth into the Cup Series operation launched with business partner Curtis Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan stated in the Charlotte courtroom. “I was a new person, I had no fear. I felt I could challenge Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport it needed to be looked at from a different view.”

The Core Dispute: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 agreement where Nascar granted each team a franchise. The concept is similar to other professional sports with separately owned franchises, like the NBA’s Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. The agreement was due to end in 2024 when Nascar insisted on charter membership renewals.

Jordan was on the witness stand for about sixty minutes and left the court to a media frenzy, with onlookers and reporters clamoring for a view or a picture of the sports legend.

Leading the Legal Charge

23XI Racing is at the forefront of the push along with Front Row Motorsports for Nascar to change a business model Jordan contended is breaking the law to maintain excessive control.

For Jordan and and Heather Gibbs, who preceded Jordan, are events from last September. She recounted a frantic and emotional period where the racing circuit informed teams they must sign a charter agreement extension. This agreement spanned 112 pages outlining pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in every race.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally decided their only feasible option was to refuse a signature that extensive document and litigate the matter. The other 13 organizations signed the agreement.

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

The Ultimate Motivation: Winning

Ultimately, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Winning.

“Denny convinced me getting a third driver improved our chances to win,” he testified, noting that he bought a third charter last year for $28m despite the uncertainty. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Gibbs described her request for permanent charters, which she said a formal letter to Nascar. She said the timing of the contract signing demand was problematic.

She said, Joe Gibbs first tried to call and persuade Nascar against demanding signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Gibbs recounted Joe Gibbs told Nascar’s leadership. The response was, “Whether I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If there are 30, I have 30.”