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Michael Jeffrey Jordan, as he cordially introduced himself in a Charlotte court on Friday, admitted that his competitive side and novelty within the sport motivated his effort with 23XI Racing to “challenge” Nascar over alleged violations of competition laws.

Financial Stakes and a Will to Win

The owner disclosed operational insights of his 23XI team, revealing he invested $40 million of his own funds into the Cup Series operation co-founded with partner Polk and driver Hamlin.

“It fell to someone to act,” Jordan said in the Charlotte courtroom. “I was a new person, I wasn’t afraid. I believed I could take on Nascar in its entirety. I felt as far as the sport required examination through a new lens.”

Central Issue: Franchise System and Renewal Demands

At issue is the end of a 2016 agreement where Nascar provided each team a “charter”. The concept is similar to other major leagues with separately owned franchises, such as the NBA’s Hornets or the NFL’s Panthers. The agreement was set to expire in 2024 when Nascar insisted on teams renew their charters.

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

Leading the Legal Charge

Jordan’s 23XI is at the forefront of the push along with another racing team for Nascar to overhaul a business model Jordan said is breaking the law to keep two hands on the wheel.

At issue for Jordan and Heather Gibbs, who testified before Jordan, are events from last September. She recounted a frantic and emotional six hours where the racing circuit told teams they must sign a contract extension. The document spanned 112 pages detailing team compensation and a guaranteed entry in Nascar-sponsored races.

A Refusal to Sign

Jordan explained that his team and its ally decided their sole viable path was to refuse a signature that 112-page package and litigate the matter. All other teams agreed to the terms.

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

The Bottom Line: Victory

But in the end, the resistance against what he saw as a unsustainable system was driven by the familiar goal for Jordan: Winning.

“Denny convinced me adding a third car improved our chances to win,” he said, noting that he purchased another franchise last year for $28m amid the legal dispute. “So I dove in.”

Heather Gibbs’ Testimony

Heather Gibbs detailed her push for indefinite franchises, which she said a written letter to Nascar. She testified the timing of the contract signing demand didn’t sit well.

She said, the team founder first tried to call and persuade Nascar against forcing signatures, but CEO Jim France declined the request.

“Don’t do this to us,” Gibbs recounted was the message to Nascar’s leadership. She said France replied, “If I wake up and I have 20 charters, I have 20. If there are 30, that’s the number.”