NASCAR Unleashes Explosive Exhibit List Targeting Michael Jordan’s Assets as Antitrust Trial Begins

As the high-profile antitrust battle between NASCAR and teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports begins on December 1, the sanctioning body has dropped a stunning pre-trial weapon: a 59-page exhibit list containing 961 separate items. The documents dive deep into Michael Jordan’s personal assets, co-owner Curtis Polk’s handwritten notes, and a trove of internal messages — all designed to undermine the teams’ claims that NASCAR operates an anti-competitive monopoly through its charter system.

Aimed Shot at the Underdog Narrative

NASCAR’s strategy is clear: dismantle the idea that 23XI Racing is a disadvantaged team being squeezed out by corporate control. Instead, the exhibit list portrays 23XI as a financial powerhouse, backed by one of the wealthiest sports icons on earth and a leadership team capable of massive investment.

Among the most eye-catching exhibits:

• Photos of Michael Jordan’s 230-foot yacht, “Catch 23,” valued at $130 million

• Images showcasing 23XI Racing’s 114,000-square-foot headquarters in Huntersville, often dubbed the “Google of race shops”

• Documents showing Jordan’s extensive business holdings, underscoring his vast financial influence behind the team

NASCAR appears to be using these displays to argue that 23XI is far from a struggling organization — and more than capable of navigating the charter market without regulatory intervention.

Curtis Polk’s Notes and Explosive Messages

Perhaps the most intriguing exhibits are the 30 pages of handwritten notes by Curtis Polk, which reportedly outline negotiation strategies, meeting summaries, and internal viewpoints on NASCAR’s charter policies.

But the most controversial pieces may be the private text messages included in the filing.

According to summaries:

• Michael Jordan wrote to Polk: “Teams are going to regret not joining us.”

• Denny Hamlin expressed anger toward the France family: “My despise for the France family runs deep.”

These messages give NASCAR ammunition to claim that 23XI wasn’t a victim of anti-competitive behavior — but an aggressive participant in behind-the-scenes power struggles.

The Charter War: NASCAR’s Counterattack

The heart of NASCAR’s legal argument is that the plaintiffs’ antitrust claims collapse when exposed to the financial reality behind 23XI Racing.

Key themes in their filings:

• 23XI allegedly sought $200 million in new charter valuation, far above market norms

• The team reportedly discussed potential boycott strategies, which NASCAR describes as cartel-like behavior

• The exhibits aim to show that 23XI and its allies are powerful enough to influence — or threaten — the system they claim is hurting them

In short: NASCAR’s message to the court is that the teams are not victims of a monopoly, but major players attempting to reshape the sport for their own benefit.

Teams Fire Back: 858 Exhibits Target NASCAR’s Leadership

If NASCAR’s 961 exhibits represent a show of force, the plaintiffs responded with equal intensity.

Their 858-item list takes direct aim at the authority and financial transparency of NASCAR itself, including:

• NASCAR CEO Jim France’s tax returns

• Internal W-2 forms

• Executive financial documents and compensation records

This aggressive move signals that the teams plan to argue NASCAR’s ruling family exerts too much economic and operational control — the cornerstone of their antitrust complaint.

The plaintiffs contend that the charter system artificially controls team value, restricts fair competition, and locks teams into dependence on NASCAR.

Superstars Take the Stand

With the trial now underway, some of the most recognizable names in American sports will testify:

• Michael Jordan — co-owner of 23XI

• Denny Hamlin — driver, partner, and outspoken critic of NASCAR leadership

• Curtis Polk — financial strategist and longtime Jordan advisor

Their testimonies are expected to draw national attention and could influence not only the verdict, but the future governance of stock-car racing.

One executive close to the case described the showdown as:

“Basketball’s GOAT vs. racing’s royalty.”

What’s at Stake: A Potentially Transformative Ruling

Should 23XI and Front Row Motorsports prevail, NASCAR may be forced to restructure the entire charter system — and could even face triple damages under antitrust law.

Possible outcomes include:

• Dramatic increases in team charter values

• Major shifts in NASCAR’s control over race participation

• New revenue-sharing agreements

• Changes in long-standing franchise-style mechanisms

Or, if NASCAR wins, the entire system may remain intact — and the teams’ leverage could diminish significantly.

Conclusion: A Trial That Could Reshape the Sport

What began as a dispute over charter renewal has now escalated into one of the most consequential legal battles in NASCAR history. With financial transparency wars, superstar involvement, and high-powered legal strategies on both sides, the courtroom drama promises to reshape the sport for decades.

And as the trial unfolds, one question looms:

Will this verdict strengthen NASCAR’s control — or redefine the balance of power in stock-car racing forever?