Bob Pockrass gives an insight into Tony Stewart-Michael Jordan charter sale situation

NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing was expected to secure their third charter from Tony Stewart-led Stewart Haas Racing. However, 23XI and FRM's legal dispute with NASCAR has reportedly complicated the situation. NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass recently shared an update on the charter acquisition between SHR and 23XI.

Earlier this year, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports joined hands and refused to sign the new, controversial charter agreement. The remaining 13 charter-holding teams signed the deal ahead of the commencement of the 2024 playoffs. Moreover, Michael Jordan's 23XI and Bob Jenkins-owned FRM filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and are currently making rounds in North Carolina's courtrooms.

Meanwhile, both 23XI and FRM were planning on expanding their cooperation in NASCAR by acquiring a third charter from Stewart Haas Racing, who announced their exit from the sport. Keeping the legal battle in the loop, Fox Sports renowned NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass shared an update on the charter situation between 23XI-FRM and SHR, while responding to a fan's query on November 16 (via X, formerly Twitter).

"We still have not gotten an answer on the SHR charters that 23XI and FRM have agreements to purchase."

The ongoing antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR by the two teams can reportedly be the reason for their transactions to acquire a new charter not being completed. Moreover, a recent ruling from the court denied 23XI and FRMs preliminary injunction, wherein they had requested to retain their charters for the 2025 season to continue competing in the sport.

However, their motion was denied, and an appeal to challenge the decision was raised by the two teams.

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Michael Jordan's 23XI and FRM receive major boost in their lawsuit against NASCAR, get open team agreement

In a dramatic turn of events, NASCAR has allowed Michael Jordan-led 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete in the 2025 Cup Series campaign in the open race team agreement, by removing the anti-competitive release requirement clause.

This decision comes after 23XI and FRMs preliminary injunction was denied by a North Carolina court. 23XI Racing posted their official statement on the matter on November 16 via X (formerly Twitter).

"We are pleased to announce that NASCAR has removed the anticompetitive release requirement in its open agreement which will now allow 23Xl and Front Row Motorsports to race as open teams in 2025. My clients will continue their appeal to the 4th Circuit to issue an injunction so that they can run as chartered teams therefore avoiding irreparable harm Both race teams are pleased that they will continue to be a participant in this sport that they love while fighting to make it fair and just for all."

However, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin's hopes to expand operations at 23XI Racing still linger in doubt, as their charter purchase from SHR reportedly hasn't been authorized by the governing body.