Bob Pockrass shares NASCAR’s recent move in legal battle with $3.2B worth Michael Jordan’s team

The standoff between NASCAR and 23XI Racing is still ongoing. The team is co-owned by Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin and $3.2B worth (via Forbes) NBA legend Michael Jordan. The association was ordered to respond to the preliminary injunction motion filed by 23XI Racing, and Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass shared the insights with the fans.

Earlier this month, Bob Jenkin's Front Row Motorsports joined forces with 23XI Racing in the ongoing case. Both teams did not sign the new deal imposed by the Stock Car Association.

NASCAR filed a response against FRM and 23XI Racing's preliminary injunction motion on 24 October 2024. Bob Pockrass shared the response and wrote:

"NASCAR just filed response to preliminary injunction motion. Some quick notes: -New charter deal is 7 yrs ww/possible extension. -Neither 23XI nor FRM has submitted a request yet for a charter transfer from SHR. -NASCAR plans for a season with 32 charters and eight open positions."

Further, the race car organization argued that antitrust law is to protect fair competition among teams but not guarantee a spot for every team.

"Plaintiffs allege injuries from having to compete for racing positions and sponsorships ... Antitrust law protects competition -- it does not require successful sports enterprises to admit every team that wants to participate or protect teams that do not want to compete," wrote Stock Car organization.

The Fox Sports reporter concluded with their main arguments against the injunction. He highlighted that the season plan would aim to have 32 charters and eight open spots for teams with no charter. The exclusive rules are common in sports and benefit broadcasters, fans, and sponsors. Lastly, if a team wins, all the financial damages will be calculated.

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Denny Hamlin is uncertain over a charter deal with Tony Stewart's SHR in between the ongoing feud with NASCAR

The Cup Series driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing Denny Hamlin is under pressure for his playoffs, as he aims to secure a maiden Cup Series championship. Moreover, the charter deal with Stewart-Haas Racing keeps him worried as he is uncertain whether NASCAR will approve the charter purchase from SHR.

Bob Pockrass took to his X account and revealed that Hamlin hasn't had any discussions with the association regarding the deal for the next season to expand their two charter teams. He shared:

"Denny Hamlin said he has not had discussions with NASCAR about the approval of an SHR charter transfer to 23XI (23XI has an agreement to buy one) after this season and doesn't know of any deadline for a decision on it."

The court hearing for the ongoing feud between FRM, 23XI Racing, and the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is scheduled for 4 November 2024, at the U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will decide the future of these teams in the sport.