Antitrust court battle starting between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports | News, Sports, Jobs

FILE – Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports and Co-Owner Michael Jordan, of 23XI Racing, pose before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Talladega Superspeedway, Oct. 6, 2024, in Talladega, Ala. (AP Photo/ Butch Dill, File)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — NASCAR and two teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, have clashed in federal court over antitrust allegations. The hearing on Thursday revealed heated exchanges, including expletive-laden emails and texts.

Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, criticized teams that signed NASCAR’s new charter agreements last September. The dispute centers on charter agreements, which are like franchises in other sports.

NASCAR claims the teams gave up their rights by not signing extensions. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell heard arguments about restoring the teams’ charter status. Jordan expressed willingness to go to trial for the sport’s betterment.

Elsewhere in sports:

– Tennessee wants to make sure Rick Barnes stays with the Volunteers as long as he wants to coach the men’s basketball team. Athletic director Danny White announced Thursday that Barnes has signed essentially a lifetime contract with Tennessee. Barnes turned 71 in July. He last signed an extension in September 2023 that took him through the 2027-28 season. This new deal automatically extends Barnes’ contract for another year every April 15 starting in 2028. Barnes said it’s an honor and blessing to serve as Tennessee’s men’s basketball coach.