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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, admitted that his drive to win and status as a newcomer emboldened his effort with 23XI Racing to confront Nascar over perceived violations of antitrust rules.

Financial Stakes and a Competitive Drive

The owner disclosed financial and corporate details of his 23XI team, revealing he put in $40m of his personal wealth into the Nascar Cup series team launched with business partner Curtis Polk and driver Hamlin.

“Someone had to step forward,” Jordan said during testimony. “As a newcomer, I wasn’t afraid. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport required examination from a different view.”

Central Issue: Charter Agreements and Renewal Demands

At issue is the expiration of a 2016 deal where Nascar provided each team a franchise. This system mirrors 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 demanded charter membership renewals.

Jordan testified for an hour and left the court to pandemonium, with onlookers and reporters clamoring for a glimpse or a photo of the global icon.

Leading the Legal Charge

Jordan’s 23XI is leading the full-court press along with another racing team for Nascar to change a operating model Jordan contended is breaking the law to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who preceded Jordan, are details from last September. Gibbs described a frantic and emotional six hours where the racing circuit informed teams they must sign a contract extension. The document consists of 112 pages outlining pay for chartered teams and a guaranteed spot in Nascar-sponsored races.

Choosing Litigation

Jordan said that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports decided their only feasible option was to decline to sign that extensive document and take the issue to court. The other 13 organizations signed the agreement.

The team owners approached Nascar about possible changes or negotiations. Nascar refused to engage, Jordan said.

The Bottom Line: Winning

But in the end, the pushback against what he saw as a unsustainable system was mostly about the familiar goal for Jordan: Success.

“Denny convinced me getting a third driver boosted our odds of winning,” he said, sharing that he purchased another franchise last year for $28 million amid the legal dispute. “So I took the plunge.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, submitted in a written letter to Nascar. She said the pressure of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

According to her, Joe Gibbs first tried to call and persuade Nascar against forcing signatures, but Nascar’s leader refused the appeal.

“Please don’t force this on us,” Heather Gibbs said was the message to Nascar’s executives. The response was, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, that’s what I have. If I have 30, that’s the number.”