$3.5B Michael Jordan leads Richard Childress and Justin Marks in opposing NASCAR’s hefty Martinsville penalties

NASCAR penalized NBA legend Michael Jordan's team 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace, Richard Childress Racing driver Austin Dillion, and Trackhouse racing driver Ross Chastain for race manipulation at the Martinsville race on Sunday.

The Stock Car Association announced late on Tuesday that crew chiefs, spotters of each car, and the team executive from each team have been suspended for the Championship 4 race scheduled for November 10, 2024, at the Phoneix Raceway. Additionally, the teams will lose 50 driver and owner points and fine the owners $100,000 with the drivers.

In response to the penalty, Michael Jordan's 23 XI Racing took action earlier than RCR and Trackhouse Racing. They took to their X account and shared their statement. The team mentioned that they are not guilty of any charges and will appeal NASCAR's ruling. They wrote:

"23XI Racing is aware of the penalty issued by NASCAR stemming from Sunday's race at Martinsville. We feel strongly that we did not commit any violations during Sunday's race, and we will appeal NASCAR's ruling."

NASCAR believes that Michael Jornad's team driver, Bubba Wallace, allegedly slowed down in the final five laps and was lapped by Blaney to help Christopher Bell finish in P22, securing his spot in the Championship 4 round. The penalty drops Wallace from P17 to P18 in the driver standings by the Sanction Association.

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Michael Jordan shared his initial thoughts after the preliminary injunction at Charlotte court

NBA legend Michael Jordan and Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, the co-owners of 23XI Racing, recently attended the preliminary injunction hearing at the U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina. Front Row Motorsports owner, Bob Jenkins, also joined the duo for the hearing.

23XI Racing and FRM failed to fulfill the new charter agreements and refused to accept last-minute changes in the agreement suing NASCAR in October, leading to a legal proceeding during the final race week.

Journalists questioned Michael Jordan about the upcoming Championship 4 round at Phoneix Raceway. Despite facing immense pressure, the former Chicago Bulls athlete stayed calm. The NASCAR analyst for The Athletic, Jeff Gluck, shared the clip of Jordan's reply:

"No, I've been in situations of disparity. I think the race team is going to focus on what they have to do this weekend, which I expect them to. I think Jeffrey did an unbelievable job today and I have put all my cards on the table. I think we did a good job at that," Jordan said.

"I'm looking forward to winning the championship this weekend," he added.

Michael Jordan's driver, Tyler Reddick, made history for the team and secured his spot for the Championship 4 round. This is the first time 23XI Racing entered the final round of stock car racing since their debut in 2021.