$3.5B worth Michael Jordan’s right-hand man seen exchanging words with NASCAR president amid 23XI Racing's legal battle

23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan's confidant Curtis Polk was spotted having a conversation with NASCAR president Steve Phelps, at Talladega on October 6. The duo are engulfed in a legal battle against each other, concerning the charter fiasco.

On October 2, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports issued a joint statement that they have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR's owner, Jim France. This stemmed from the recent charter drama. NASCAR shared the proposal and asked the teams to ink approval by midnight, September 6. The holdouts were reportedly at risk of losing their existing charter, which pushed the teams to act fast.

Unsatisfied with NASCAR's charter approach, Michael Jordan, who has a net worth of $3.5B (via Forbes), and Front Row Motorsports sued Jim France. 23XI Racing revealed that the management didn't give an opportunity to 'fairly bargain' the terms, and hence, the lawsuit. But in retaliation, NASCAR has reportedly frozen 23XI's charter deal with Stewart-Haas Racing.

The YellaWood 500 at Talladega marked the first race since the rebel teams filed the lawsuit. During the qualifying event, Jordan's right-hand man and stakeholder in 23XI Racing, Curtis Polk was at the track.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps was also at the venue and was spotted talking to Polk. While the contents of their conversation are unknown, considering the recent atmosphere between NASCAR and 23XI, the conversation would've been far from regular race talk.

Motorsports journalist Adam Stern shared a picture of the duo exchanging words, captured by David J. Griffin via Getty Images.

"NASCAR president Steve Phelps confers with Team 23XI co-owner Curtis Polk prior to the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 race on October 6, 2024 at the Talladega Superspeedway in Lincoln, Alabama. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)," the Tweet read.

The lawsuit has been filed, however, the parties have yet to present themselves in the courtroom for the hearing.

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"I’m willing to fight": 23XI Racing's Michael Jordan stands against NASCAR's 'unfair' treatment

Michael Jordan's passion for NASCAR goes back to his childhood. His father used to work on engines, and the legendary NBA player met Richard Petty at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a few weeks after he bagged his 1982 NCAA title. In 2020, Jordan and Denny Hamlin entered NASCAR as team owners with 23XI Racing.

Moreover, the former NBA player actively takes part in situations concerning NASCAR. During the two-year negotiation for amending charter terms, the teams asked for more revenue, permanent charters, a role in NASCAR's governing matters, and a cut from the sport's earnings generated by endorsing a team or its driver. However, their request was reportedly left unheard.

Furthermore, NASCAR gave a week's deadline to sign the proposal without landing mutual ground with all the teams. Thus, displeased by the sport's 'unfair' treatment, Michael Jordan sued CEO France.

“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins,” Jordan said via Forbes.

23XI Racing's decision to sue NASCAR didn't sit well with Fox's Larry McReynolds as he slammed them for the lawsuit.