Motorsports

Michael Jordan’s fight against NASCAR heads to court, could shake up motorsports

Published

1 month ago

November 30, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michael Jordan’s bitter fight against NASCAR heads to federal court Monday in a jury trial that could rip apart the top motorsports series in the United States.

The antitrust allegations leveled by Jordan-owned 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports has exposed salacious personal communications, NASCAR’s finances and a deep contempt between some of the top executives in the sport and its participants.

Three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, who owns 23XI alongside Jordan and less than a month ago had the Cup Series championship slip through his fingers, warned this weekend that the gloves will be off during the two-week trial in the Western District of North Carolina.

“Our fans have been brainwashed with (NASCAR’s) talking points for decades,” Hamlin wrote on social media. “Lies are over starting Monday morning. It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change.”

NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps has said that the series has tried hard to settle the case ahead of Monday’s trial.

What is the lawsuit about?

The lawsuit was filed by 23XI Racing, which is owned by Basketball Hall of Famer Jordan, Hamlin and Jordan’s longtime business manager, Curtis Polk. They were joined by Front Row Motorsports, a team owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins that won the 2021 Daytona 500. The two were the only teams out of 15 to refuse to sign renewals on the charter agreements NASCAR presented to them in late 2024.

All 15 teams had been fighting for more favorable terms in the charter agreements over more than two years of negotiations, and the final terms fell short of what the teams had been seeking. 23XI and Front Row accused NASCAR of being a monopoly and sued under antitrust grounds.

What is a charter?

The charter system was introduced in 2016 and is NASCAR’s version of the franchise model used by most other professional sports leagues. Being chartered guarantees that car a spot in the 40-car field for all 38 races, as well as a defined payout from the weekly purse.

Even with the charters, the teams have argued that the revenue model is not viable. The teams wanted the charters to become permanent (they are renewable and revocable), a larger percentage of revenues and a voice in governance.

23XI and Front Row felt the new charter agreements fell short of meeting those demands and refused to sign. The two organizations argue NASCAR holds too strong of a hold on all aspects of the racing series and allege a monopoly based on exclusivity clauses, ownership of most of the race tracks on the Cup schedule, and its control of the rules and regulations.

23XI and Front Row are now also pursuing a large monetary sum from NASCAR to cover their legal fees and financial losses suffered this year from not being chartered plus the lawsuit.

NASCAR’s defense

NASCAR was founded 76 years ago by the Florida-based France family and says it has not violated antitrust law because it has done nothing to restrain trade beyond normal business practices.

NASCAR has argued that payouts in the 2025 charter agreement increased and prove it is not anticompetitive. NASCAR has also cited the option for cars to enter races as “open teams” and try to make the field in one of four nonchartered spots on qualifying speed. 23XI and Front Row have been open teams, and while their combined six cars made every race, it cost both organizations millions of dollars in purse money.

The pretrial discovery process revealed NASCAR made more than $100 million in 2024.

Behind-the-scenes drama

The discovery phase has been brutal for both sides with the exposure of unseemly personal communications from top NASCAR executives as well as the two teams.

Phelps was among leadership who in a discussion with other NASCAR executives called Hall of Fame team owner Richard Childress a “dinosaur,” an “idiot” and a “stupid redneck.” The discussion also included a reference that Childress “owes his entire fortune to NASCAR” and needed “to be taken out back and flogged.”

Another NASCAR executive alleged that fans of the sport can’t read, and multiple series leaders admonished Hall of Fame driver Tony Stewart’s summer short-track series, SRX, and threatened to have it the killed because NASCAR drivers were participating.

On the other side, the president of 23XI was found to have said NASCAR chairman Jim France had to die in order to receive favorable charter terms, Hamlin admitted his dislike for the France family, one of Jordan’s advisers said Hamlin wasn’t a good businessman and Jordan joked that he loses more money in a casino than he pays one of his drivers.

Who will be in court?

NASCAR has indicated it wants Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske, the two most powerful team owners in the United States, and neither Hall of Famer wants to testify. They both filed a motion asking not to even be deposed, and if they must be, then the questioning must be limited to charters.

Hendrick and Penske are among a large group of owners who submitted declarations on NASCAR’s behalf in defense of the charter system. The declarations showed unity among the non-suing teams, who do not want the charter system to be disbanded, which could happen if NASCAR loses the case.

But, what NASCAR doesn’t spotlight is that many of the team owners still noted that the 2025 charter agreements are still short of all their asks.

Additionally, NASCAR has asked that some of the plaintiffs not be allowed to sit in court during the trial. It is presumed the ask is so that Jordan, a North Carolina native who led the University of North Carolina to a national championship and once owned the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, as well as Hamlin, not be given the opportunity to distract a jury.

A ruling on who can sit in court had not been made as of Sunday afternoon.

What are some outcomes

The case could still be settled at any time, even if a ruling is made and it goes to appeal.

If 23XI and Front Row win, the jury will determine actual monetary damages and Judge Kenneth Bell can adjust the figure and even triple it. Bell also would be charged with unraveling any found monopoly.

Among the threats to NASCAR are orders that the France family sell the sport, sell the tracks it owns, dismantle the charter system, order permanent charters — anything is possible.

If NASCAR wins, it is unlikely that 23XI and Front Row stay in business beyond 2026 and the six charters being held aside likely will be sold to other interested parties. The last charter sold went for $45 million, and NASCAR has indicated there is pressing interest from potential buyers including private equity firms.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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Motorsports

FuelFest 2026 Coming to New Jersey Motorsports Park

Published

29 minutes ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

FuelFest, the ultimate automotive lifestyle, music, and show experience, announced 2026 global tour — its most expansive calendar to date — featuring all-new events in Qatar, London, Southern California (Orange County), and Chicago, alongside six additional fan-favorite U.S. destinations.

FuelFest blends world-class car culture, live motorsports, and music with a deep commitment to giving back. Every ticket purchased has supported Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW). Since 2018, FuelFest events have raised more than $785,000 for the non-profit.

2026 Tour Dates and Locations

FuelFest’s 2026 global tour dates and locations are as follows:

1/23 QATAR – Katara South, Doha, Qatar
2/28 SOUTH FLORIDA – South Florida Fairgrounds, West Palm Beach, FL
3/28 TAMPA – Florida State Fairgrounds, Tampa, FL
4/25 DALLAS-FT. WORTH – Texas Motor Speedway, Fort Worth, TX
5/30 BAY AREA – Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton, CA
6/13 SOCAL – OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
7/18 CHICAGO – SeatGeek Stadium, Bridgeview, IL
7/25 United Kingdom
8/11 JAPAN – Fuji Speedway, Oyama, Shizuoka, Japan
9/19 NEW JERSEY – New Jersey Motorsports Park, Millville, NJ
12/5 PHOENIX – Firebird Motorsports Park, Chandler, AZ

“FuelFest has evolved greatly from when we started it in 2019, and thanks to our fans, we’ve gone even bigger and more global,” said Cody Walker, FuelFest founder and president. “We’re excited about returning to the Middle East and also heading to the U.S. Midwest, as well as all of our other amazing locations. The best part? No matter where we are, we’re surrounded by our automotive and music enthusiast family.”

A Preview of What’s New For 2026

FuelFest will offer fans all-new, fresh, and updated show layouts and programs, including expansion of its curated and themed car show zones:

Taste of Tokyo: A high-profile showcase area with hand-picked JDM-style cars designed to mimic an underground car meet straight out of Japan.
The People’s Choice Paddock: An ultra-limited, premier car show area where fans can peruse the chosen cars and cast their vote for their favorite, with the winner announced on the Festival Stage, as well as an online vote for the best of 2026.
Increased Local Car Club Engagement, including registration incentives, discounts, featured placement, online collaborations, and more.
Meet & Greet Drift Driver Autograph Session — new for 2026 — is the opportunity to meet fan-favorite drivers and automotive personalities.
MORE: more professional drivers, automotive influencers, music, entertainment, and motorsport opportunities than ever before.

In 2026, the FuelFest team remains dedicated to offering unique, organized opportunities for professional and grassroots drivers to grow their programs alongside one another in front of thousands of engaged eventgoers.

“Building on the momentum of 2025 – which introduced new music artists, motorcycle stunts, off road demos, jet car drag racing, rally car thrill rides, wrestling, laser shows and more – FuelFest will expand on experiential offerings both on and off stage to bring even greater value to event attendees,” said Randal Smothers, FuelFest Global Marketing and Operations Director. “We’re excited to work hand in hand with some of the best venues in each market and bring the full FuelFest experience of live motorsports, music, and cars together for an unforgettable day.”

In 2026, FuelFest will announce new partnerships with brands and industry leaders, featuring all-new fan-focused exhibits, product demos, and guest speakers. Toyota GAZOO Racing joins FuelFest in 2026 as the festival’s “official performance vehicle partner,” which will seespecial brand presence, including vehicle displays, fan engagement, merchandise, and more.

Returning partners for 2026 include LiquiMoly, C4 Energy, Fitment Industries, Meguiar’s, O’Reilly Auto Parts, 303 Stabil, Jada Toys, X Comp Tires, SEMA+, and more, finding great value in what FuelFest has to offer, in-person and online.

Event information, car registration, and tickets can be found at www.FuelFest.com.

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Motorsports

‘Duels at Daytona’ receive patriotic new name ahead of US celebration – Motorsport – Sports

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

NASCAR’s iconic Daytona 500’s Duels have received a one-off title for 2026, as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.

The announcement was made on Monday by the Speedway, with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as the sponsor of ‘The America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona.’

Both Duels one and two are scheduled to take place on Thursday, February 12, setting the starting grid for the Daytona 500, which will kickstart the NASCAR season in earnest that Sunday.

The decision for FDOT to become a sponsor of the event was made as part of an existing partnership between the organization and the Speedway, with the ultimate goal of promoting safe driving in the region.

In a statement, the Speedway’s president, Frank Kelleher, said, “It’s an honor to welcome the Florida Department of Transportation as our new sponsor for the America 250 Florida Duel at Daytona to help kick off Speedweeks Presented by AdventHealth in 2026.

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“This sponsorship is a commitment to FDOT’s continued efforts to help keep Volusia County’s roadways safe. As we move forward on the shared journey toward a brighter future in Florida, there’s no better place to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence than at The World Center of Racing.”

Secretary of State Cord Byrd, who also serves as the chair of Florida’s Semiquincentennial Commission also released a statement, saying, “The history of automobile racing in Florida began in 1903 with a line drawn on the Florida sand, and throughout the years, the sport has rapidly grown in the state to make the Daytona 500 the most prestigious race on the NASCAR calendar.

“Duel at Daytona is an exciting way to commemorate that history for the America250FL initiative which celebrates Florida’s role in the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding.

“Visit America250FL.com and follow America250FL on X, Facebook, and Instagram to stay informed about ways to commemorate America250FL and our history.”

Meanwhile, FDOT’s secretary, Jared W. Perdue, P.E., said he felt the Duel was “an ideal opportunity to honor Florida’s storied history” with the nation celebrating its founding.

The 2026 race will mark the 68th edition of the Daytona 500, one of the most renowned in American motorsports.

Reigning back-to-back winner, Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron, who was also recently named to the Drivers’ Advisory Council board, will be looking to become just the fifth three-time 500 winner, joining Denny Hamlin, Jeff Gordon, Dale Jarrett, and Bobby Allison. He would also become the first driver in history to win it three times in a row.

Currently, the record for most wins all-time at the track is appropriately held by the winningest driver in Cup Series history, seven-time champion Richard “The King” Petty. The 88-year-old won the race on seven occasions between 1964 and 1981.

However, a win for Byron would extend Hendricks’ lead as the most successful team at the track, with 10 wins to date, one ahead of Petty Enterprises.

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Motorsports

Carson Hocevar makes announcement with $2.4B NASCAR backer – Motorsport – Sports

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Spire Motorsports and NASCAR Cup driver Carson Hocevar will again be backed in 2026 by Zeigler Automotive Group, a family-owned dealership network that generates over $2 billion in annual revenue.

The team announced on Monday afternoon that Zeigler will serve as the primary sponsor for 11 NASCAR Cup Series races, placing its branding on the No. 77 Chevrolet. Races will include events at tracks including Michigan, Pocono, Indianapolis, Bristol, Kansas, and Martinsville.

Zeigler has now tied itself to the driver previously penalized for his racing style across multiple seasons. The privately-backed company believes that the relationship synergy is much deeper than branding on the side of a car.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said the president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing, Aaron Zeigler.

“Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

The 22-year-old driver posted multiple top-10 finishes last year and led laps at Bristol and Michigan. His best finishes were two seconds at Nashville during the Cracker Barrel 400 won by Ryan Blaney, and in Atlanta for the Ambetter Health 400, which was the first of three consecutive wins for Christopher Bell.

“The whole Zeigler family has been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one,” he continued. “I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

Hocevar found himself in hot water with drivers over the course of last season and has angered the likes of established veterans Kyle Busch, Ross Chastain, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Blaney called Hocevar a “moron” for the way he raced in Atlanta.

Zane Smith expressed a desire to punch Hocevar after their collision, which was initiated by the No. 77 at Bristol, which saw Hocevar get loose and spin Smith into a barrier.

“No, I didn’t talk to him. And it’s just you’re not going to get anything from it. Like, I don’t really know how else you can explain that,” said Smith. You want to go up to him and punch him in the face, but that’s $75,000, and that’s not very cool.”

The 2026 NASCAR regular season begins at Daytona on Feb. 15.

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Motorsports

Carson Hocevar Signs Contract Extension With $2.2 Billion Worth Sponsor

Published

6 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Slowly but surely Carson Hocevar is establishing himself as one of the superstar racers of the sport, by punching above his weight in the Spire Motorsports Chevy. He had a strong 2025 season that saw him almost winning the Atlanta race, and being a challenger in multiple events. P2 finishes at Atlanta and Nashville has been him bets moments of the year.

Now he is rewarded for the strong season, as Zeigler Automotive Group one of his primary sponsors has signed a contract extension with him. They are set to sponsor him for 10 points paying races and the Clash. Carson Hocevar sees the support from ZAG as full circle moment, as he grew up a street away from the company’s HQ in Kalamazoo.

I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group. I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle.

Carson Hocevar said (via TRE).

From day one of Carson Hocevar signing with Spire to drive the No:77 Chevy, the Zeigler family has had his back. He is more determined than ever to grow the partnership and wats to get the Zeigler Chevrolet to the victory lane. It would be really special to win his maiden Cup race for his biggest sponsor.

The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in victory lane this year.

Carson Hocevar added.

Zeigler Auto Group CEO explains why they extended Carson Hocevar deal

In the statement announcing the extension, Zeigler Auto Group CEO Aaron J. Zeigler has also shared his thoughts on the extension. He sees Hocevar as the future of NASCAR as well as the future of their business as a whole.

Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77. It’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business.

Aaron J. Zeigler said

He pointed out that the Chevy driver is special because of the intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive he has. Zeigler expects these characteristics to earn him more success in NASCAR in the coming years and the company seems to banking on thar success.

Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.

Aaron J. Zeigler added.

The comments from the Zeigler Auto Group CEO seems rational and on point regarding Carson Hocevar. Many expects him to be future superstar the sport needs to grow and the only big question is whether he needs to move from Spire to achieve this success.

Also Read: Shane van Gisbergen Insist Austin Cindric’s Poor Supercars Debut Might “Scare Off” NASCAR Racers

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Motorsports

Zeigler Automotive renews sponsorship with NASCAR driver Carson Hocevar

Published

9 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Zeigler Automotive Group announcing on Monday that it will return to Spire Motorsports to partner with Michigan native and 2024 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar for multiple races in 2026.

“Sponsoring Carson Hocevar for the 2026 season is about more than putting our name on the No. 77 — it’s about supporting someone who represents the future of this sport and the way we do business,” said Aaron J. Zeigler, president and CEO of Zeigler Auto Group and Zeigler Racing. “Carson brings intensity, authenticity, and a relentless drive to improve every time he takes the track. That mindset will take him far, and we can’t wait to see what he does next as he continues to push what’s possible.”

Zeigler.com and Zeigler Auto Group will be showcased as the team’s primary sponsor in 11 Cup Series races in 2026 beginning with the season-opening Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C.

The distinct yellow and black Zeigler paint scheme will be featured aboard Hocevar’s No. 77 Chevy Camaro at the following races in 2026:

Bowman Gray Stadium – February 1

Michigan International Speedway – June 7

Pocono Raceway – June 14

Chicagoland Speedway – July 5

Atlanta Motor Speedway – July 12

Indianapolis Motor Speedway – July 26

Iowa Speedway – August 9

Richmond Raceway – August 15

Bristol Motor Speedway – September 19

Kansas Speedway – September 27

Martinsville Speedway – November 1

Hocevar, 22, is fresh off a 2025 campaign featuring two top-five and nine top-10 results, including a pair of career-best runner-up finishes at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Nashville (Tenn.) Superspeedway. The sophomore driver also secured his first-career pole award at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.

“I’m excited to continue our partnership with Zeigler Automotive Group,” said Hocevar. “I grew up right down the street from their headquarters in Kalamazoo, so it is cool to see how it has all come full circle. The whole Zeigler family have been such great supporters of me and the No. 77 team since day one. I’m looking forward to continuing to build our partnership on and off the track and can’t wait to park the Zeigler Chevrolet in Victory Lane this year.”

The Portage, Mich., native impressed throughout his rookie season in 2024, earning top rookie honors on the strength of one top-five, six top-10 and 13 top-15 finishes. His 686 points accumulated out-distanced his next closest competitor by a handsome 107-point advantage.

The 22-year-old made his Cup Series debut for Spire Motorsports on June 4, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. In addition to his first appearance in NASCAR’s premier division, Hocevar made four NASCAR Xfinity Series starts for Spire Motorsports in 2023, earning top-10 finishes at Darlington Raceway (sixth) and Charlotte Motor Speedway (eighth).

The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium will kick off racing festivities for the 2026 season and will be televised live on FOX Sunday, February 1 at 8 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. NASCAR’s annual pre-season exhibition race will be broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

*article courtesy Spire Motorsports

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Motorsports

Tony Stewart named Chili Bowl grand marshall

Published

10 hours ago

January 6, 2026

Your Sports Nation

It’s been a bit since Tony Stewart has attended the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals, but the three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and overall motorsports legend is synonymous with the Tulsa Expo Center and that will be celebrated next week.

‘Smoke’ has been named Grand Marshal for Championship Saturday.

“Not only is Tony a winner here, but he was also part of what really made the Chili Bowl take off in the early 2000s, and was the one who really started to rebuild the connection between dirt track and NASCAR fans. He’s an ambassador to our sport at more levels than anyone; he’s a great friend, and they don’t make them like Tony anymore, so being able to honor him as our Grand Marshal means a lot to me, and this event,” stated Chili Bowl co-founder, Emmett Hahn. “I remember, we made Tony an award in 2014 to recognize what he has done for Sprint Car racing, but this is our chance to let him know how much the Chili Bowl appreciates him.”