Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and FRM release major statement in response to court’s preliminary injunction verdict

23XI Racing released a statement regarding the court’s decision to deny the preliminary injunction it filed along with Front Row Motorsports. The team expressed disappointment over the decision, though it vowed to continue fighting for a fairer system in NASCAR.

Based in Mooresville, North Carolina, 23XI Racing is a NASCAR Cup Series team co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin. The driver lineup consists of Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 car.

In a statement on X (formerly Twitter) by 23XI Racing, Jeff Kessler, attorney for 23XI and FRM, said they were disappointed and would appeal.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision to expedite discovery and fast track the schedule in our case against NASCAR. Although we are disappointed that the preliminary injunction was denied without prejudice and as premature, which we intend to appeal, this denial has no bearing on the merits of our case,” Kessler said in the statement.

“My clients will move forward to race in 2025 and continue to fight for a more fair and equitable system in NASCAR that complies with antitrust law,” the attorney added.

The preliminary injunction was filed last month to allow 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete in the 2025 season while the antitrust lawsuit is pursued.

But as the court denied the preliminary injunction, the teams now face the risk of running in NASCAR as open teams. This means their drivers won’t have guaranteed entries to the 36 races and lose higher payouts starting in the 2025 season. The teams could also lose sponsors along the way.

The plaintiffs described the possible consequences as “irreparable harm.” However, the court indicated the teams could not show they would suffer irreparable harm but rather speculate only. Per NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass on X, the court stated:

“Here, although Plaintiffs have alleged that they will face a risk of irreparable harm, they have not sufficiently alleged present, immediate, urgent irreparable harm, but rather only speculative, possible harm. That is, although Plaintiffs allege they are on the brink of irreparable harm, the 2025 racing season is months away – the stock cars remain in the garage.”

For the 2025 season, 23XI Racing has signed current drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. Meanwhile, Front Row Motorsports has retained Todd Gilliland, with Noah Gragson set to join the team. It plans to compete with three cars, albeit the third driver has yet to be announced.

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23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan focused on the championship amid lawsuit against NASCAR

Following the preliminary injunction hearing at Charlotte last November 4, 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan said the team was focused on the championship race. While the team prepares for the season finale, Jordan commended Jeff Kessler for a job well done at the hearing.

The six-time NBA champion said (via Jeff Gluck):

"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."

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

The championship race will be graced by No. 45 driver Tyler Reddick. He earned a spot in the final four after winning the Homestead-Miami Round of 8 race.

Reddick will be competing against Joey Logano, William Byron, and defending champion Ryan Blaney for the title. The championship race is set to take place at the Phoenix Raceway on November 10.