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23XI, FRM vs. NASCAR lawsuit: Michael Jordan, Jeffrey Kessler speak out in wake of heated injunction hearing

FaceProfileby: Thomas Goldkamp08/28/25
23XI
Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Following a contentious court hearing over a preliminary injunction between NASCAR and teams 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, 23XI owner Michael Jordan and lawyer Jeffrey Kessler commented about the proceedings. They discussed the issue right on the steps of the courthouse.

The hearing itself was described as combative at times, and the attorneys were warned that the next hearing should not be conducted in the same manner. Suffice it to say, tensions were high.

Michael Jordan came out with no ambiguity. He plans to fight.

“Look, I’ve been a fan of the game for a long period of time. And when we first started this whole process, I’ve always said that I want to fight for the betterment of the sport. Even though they try to point out that we made some money or we had a successful business, that’s not the point.

“The point is is that the sport itself needs to continually change for the better. For the fans, as well as for the teams. As well as for NASCAR, too, if they understand that.

“I feel like we made a good statement today about that. Look, I look forward to going down with fire. If I have to fight this to the end, for the betterment of the sport, I will do that.”

The NASCAR lawsuit, with Michael Jordan now a prominent part of it, has dominated the headlines in the sport for the last few months. A ruling is expected to come down next week on the preliminary injunction.

23XI Racing and Front Row are seeking a preliminary injunction to retain charter status for their six Cup Series teams. Today, evidence was shown in a hearing before the district court.

For their part, Michael Jordan and Jeffrey Kessler are confident in the information they’ve outlined. They believe their case stands a good chance.

“Delighted that we got our day in court today before Judge (Kenneth) Bell,” Kessler said. “I think the documents, NASCAR’s own documents, speak for themselves. I think you finally got to see them. You can see what this case is about. I think NASCAR’s arguments against those documents speak for themselves as well.

“But we are very, very happy to have had this opportunity. We look forward to Judge Bell ruling on this motion next week.”

You can view Michael Jordan’s comments below. They come after a brief opening statement from Kessler.