“Could miss show”: NASCAR Insider unsure over $3.2B worth Michael Jordan team’s participation in 2025 season

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports launched an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO Jim France amid the charter dispute. A NASCAR insider believes that the lawsuit might disrupt Micheal Jordan-led 23XI Racing's chances of competing in the upcoming season.

23XI is co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Jordan, who is worth $3.2 billion (according to Forbes), and active Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin. The charter negotiations had been under scrutiny until NASCAR reportedly gave the charter-holding teams a deadline ahead of the first race of the playoffs. 23XI and FRM were the only two teams that decided to not sign the new charter agreement.

The two teams then filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, stating that "a change is necessary," to help the sport become "more competitive."

However, Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass recently shared an update on the ongoing legal battle. Pockrass believes that if the ruling is not in their favor, 23XI and FRM's chances of racing in 2025 might hit a roadblock. Responding to a fan's query, he wrote (via X):

"From filing today, NASCAR says it's planning on 32 chartered teams. What isn't clear is what happens to SHR charters that have agreements to be bought (one each) by 23XI and FRM. But 23XI and FRM have said if no injunction, they'd compete as open cars (and yes could miss show)."

Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 car for 23XI Racing, has advanced to the Round of 8 in the playoffs. Alongside him, Denny Hamlin has also secured a spot in the final eight. Despite ongoing controversy involving 23XI Racing and the organization, both drivers continue to perform at a high level in the playoffs.

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NASCAR hits 23XI & FRM in court for 'baseless antitrust claims', alleges contract extortion: Reports

Following the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and FRM, the organization submitted a 22-page document, labeling the lawsuit "meritless" and calling it an "attempt to extort."

NBC Sports' Dustin Long reported on the latest developments in the lawsuit which involves the statement by the organization, via a post on X.

"Plaintiffs have filed a meritless suit against NASCAR alleging baseless antitrust claims in order to obtain commercial agreements they previously rejected, and to attempt to extort more favorable contract terms," the statement read

Moreover, the document also elaborates on the usage of funds that 23XI and FRM would have been allocated if they had signed the charter agreement.

"NASCAR is working on reallocating funds that Plaintiffs(23XI and FRM) would have received to increase prize money and other special awards for the 2025 season for the benefit of teams that timely executed 2025 Charters, as well as Open teams who can compete to win the increased prize money and other special awards."

A hearing on the preliminary injunction is set for November 4 at the U.S. District Court in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Meanwhile, the Round of 8 in the Cup Series playoffs is set to continue its action at Las Vegas Motor Speedway for the South Point 400 on October 20 at 2:30 PM ET. Catch the race live on NBC Sports, PRN Live, and SiriusXM NASCAR Channel.