Motorsports

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

Published

3 weeks ago

December 1, 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 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 Polk and Hamlin of 23XI not be allowed to sit in court ahead of their testimony. A ruling on that had not been made as of Sunday early evening.

Jordan, a North Carolina native who led the University of North Carolina to a national championship and once owned the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets, received an exemption to be in the courtroom for the entire jury. A spokesperson for the two teams said that Jordan and Jenkins plan to be the faces of their case.

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.

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

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Motorsports

Veteran Automotive Executive Andy Thomas Named Vice President of Manufacturer Relations At Ten Tenths Motor Club

Published

1 hour ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

CONCORD, N.C., Dec. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Ten Tenths Motor Club has named longtime automotive executive Andy Thomas as its new Vice President of Manufacturer Relations, bringing more than three decades of global experience in luxury automotive sales, marketing and brand management to the newly opened motorsports and lifestyle destination.

In a first-of-its-kind partnership combining unparalleled motorsports history, automotive heritage and business expertise, officials with Speedway Motorsports and business leader Rick Hendrick today announced the creation of the Ten Tenths Motor Club. (PRNewsfoto/Speedway Motorsports)

In his new role, Thomas will develop and maintain relationships with OEM partners to understand their needs, perspectives and objectives, while working to identify opportunities for growth by leveraging new and existing partnerships to increase facility usage.

Click here for photos to support this release.

Thomas joins Ten Tenths Motor Club after serving as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for McLaren Automotive North Americasince 2015, where he led strategic marketing, communications and global strategy that helped drive record sales growth. During his decade with McLaren, Thomas oversaw experiential events in over 30 major metro markets and developed retail programs that significantly increased sales conversions and owner engagement.

“Andy’s reputation and relationships within the global automotive community are unmatched,” said Rick Hendrick, who founded Ten Tenths Motor Club in partnership with Speedway Motorsports. “His leadership will be instrumental in strengthening our partnerships with manufacturers and luxury brands as we continue to establish Ten Tenths as a world-class venue for automotive experiences.”

Prior to McLaren, Thomas served in leadership roles with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars in both Goodwood, U.K. and North America, where he guided global brand alignment and oversaw international marketing strategy across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. Earlier in his career, he held key marketing and sales roles with BMW of North America, Ferrari North America and Land Rover North America, gaining experience in dealer relations, product marketing and luxury customer engagement.

“Our vision for Ten Tenths Motor Club is to establish the facility as not only a premier experience for passionate automotive enthusiasts, but also to create a destination for corporate events that is unmatched in the automotive industry,” said Speedway Motorsports President and CEO Marcus Smith. “We look forward to Andy joining our efforts to invite manufacturers from around the world to Ten Tenths Motor Club and the greater Charlotte region.”

A Clemson University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Thomas also serves on the Board of the Erwin Center for Brand Communication at his alma mater. In that role, he mentors students, sponsors real-world marketing projects and connects students with opportunities across the automotive and luxury brand landscape.

A native of Salisbury, Maryland, Thomas began his career in dealer operations at Fox Chevrolet in Baltimore before joining the OEM side of the industry. His work has taken him across the United States, the United Kingdom and Europe, building a broad network and a deep understanding of international brand collaboration.

“I’m thrilled to join Ten Tenths at such an exciting time,” Thomas said. “The club’s vision represents the next evolution of automotive lifestyle and performance culture. I look forward to connecting global manufacturers with this extraordinary facility and to becoming part of the Charlotte community.”

Located adjacent to the iconic Charlotte Motor Speedway, Ten Tenths Motor Club combines exclusive track access, curated events and premium hospitality to create an unparalleled environment for members and partners. The facility has quickly become a premier destination in the Charlotte metropolitan area for automotive launches, luxury brand activations, enthusiast experiences and special events. Tickets are now on sale for Ten Tenths Motor Club signature public event, Heritage Invitational, April 9-11, 2026.

About Ten Tenths Motor Club

Based in Concord, North Carolina, Ten Tenths Motor Club is a private automotive and lifestyle destination designed for those who live and breathe performance. Located beside Charlotte Motor Speedway, the club offers members access to exclusive driving experiences, signature events, and brand collaborations with the world’s most respected automotive manufacturers and luxury partners.

Learn more at www.tententhsmotorclub.com.

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SOURCE Speedway Motorsports

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Motorsports

Mobil 1, Autodromo Again Partner on Limited-Edition, Auto-Inspired Watch

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Mobil 1 brand has again teamed up with Autodromo to introduce a limited-edition, automotive-inspired wristwatch—the Group B Mobil 1 Edition. After the sellout success of their first collaborative timepiece, the Monoposto Mobil 1 Edition, the companies return with a new design crafted for motorsports enthusiasts.

Inspired by the Group B rally era, a short-yet-iconic period from 1982-86, the watch draws from a chapter widely regarded as one of motorsports’ most thrilling, according to officials. Group B combined fearless driving with advanced materials and bold engineering, producing the kind of speed and spectacle that helped define modern performance culture. Drivers charged across mountain passes, desert roads and snowy forest stages in machines that continue to shape the way fans view the sport today.

Autodromo’s interpretation of this era blends that history with modern craftsmanship. The Mobil 1 Group B Pegasus Edition features a bimetallic case construction with a lightweight 39mm titanium capsule housed within a stainless steel outer structure. Designed with a unisex fit, the watch offers a versatile wear experience for collectors and fans alike.

mobil 1 + autodromo logos

The integrated stainless-steel bracelet is finished with a black DLC coating for a sharp, contemporary look, and a high-contrast dial inspired by vintage racing tachometers reinforces the motorsports influence. Each piece arrives in a handcrafted aluminum box, and the bracelet can be easily removed with a spring bar tool for those who prefer to swap in a strap.

Blending Innovation & Passion

Only 70 watches will be available at Autodromo.com (retail value: $995).

“Group B represents a moment in motorsports where innovation and passion were at their highest. It still inspires so much of what the Mobil 1 brand stands for,” says Austin Johansen, North America marketing manager on behalf of the Mobil 1 team. “We loved seeing the response to our first watch, and we are excited to bring fans a second collaboration that celebrates both performance and lifestyle.”

For Autodromo, the Group B silhouette is one of the brand’s most iconic designs, known for its slim profile, precision and early-1980s high-tech aesthetic.

“The Mobil 1 brand sits at the heart of automotive culture, so this collaboration continues to feel purposeful and exciting for us,” says Bradley Price, founder of Autodromo. “This edition is a chance to honor an unforgettable motorsports era and create something that feels fresh, collectible and full of character.”

Key features include:

Bimetallic titanium and stainless steel case
Stainless steel integrated bracelet with hidden butterfly clasp and black DLC coating
Miyota 9015 automatic movement
Sapphire crystal with antireflective coating
Water resistant to 50 meters
39mm case diameter
9mm case thickness
75 mm lug to lug
20 mm lug width
Packaged in a handcrafted aluminum collector’s box

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Motorsports

Bigrock Motorsports Crowned Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 Champions

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) Season 2 concluded spectacularly with a historic Grand Finale at the EMS Corporation Stadium, Calicut. Megastar and ISRL Brand Ambassador Salman Khan was present on the ground, adding star power to an electrifying night of high-octane racing and live entertainment.

The finale witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 32,000 fans, marking the highest-ever attendance for a motorsport event in India and reinforcing Kerala’s strong connection with motorsport and large-scale live sporting experiences.

Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2

Amid roaring crowds and intense on-track action, Team Bigrock Motorsports was crowned ISRL Season 2 Champions, capping off a fiercely competitive championship that unfolded across Pune, Hyderabad, and Calicut. The season showcased a compelling blend of international excellence and emerging Indian talent.

Also Read: Tesla Model Y’s HEPA Filter Can Filter Out 99.97 Pc Of Pollutants: Watch Video

The Calicut round delivered thrilling racing across all categories. Matt Moss from team BigRock Motorsports (Australia) claimed victory in the 450cc International class aboard the Kawasaki KX 450, while Calvin Fonvieille from team Apollo Indewheelers (France) dominated the 250cc International category on the Yamaha YZ 250. The 250cc India-Asia Mix class was won by Delvinator Alfarizi (Thailand) riding the KTM 250 SX – F, drawing thunderous applause from the packed stadium.

Indian Supercross Racing League Season 2 Result

Megastar Salman Khan, Brand Ambassador, ISRL, said: “Watching the Grand Finale in Calicut was truly special. The passion of the fans and the intensity of competition show how far Indian motorsport has come. ISRL is creating a platform where Indian riders can compete confidently alongside the world’s best.”

Also Read: Nissan Previews New Nismo Concept Ahead Of Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Debut

Reflecting on the season, Veer Patel, Managing Director, ISRL, said: “Season 2 reflects the growing belief in Supercross across India. From Pune to Hyderabad and now Calicut, the record-breaking fan response shows the sport has truly found a home here, while we continue building strong pathways for Indian riders alongside world-class racing.”

Over the course of Season 2, 36 international riders from 21 countries, including Australia, France, the USA, Germany, Thailand, and South Africa, competed alongside India’s top riders such as Rugved Barguje, Ikshan Shanbhag, Prajwal Vishwanath, and Shlok Ghorpade, highlighting ISRL’s growing global stature.

Beyond the races, the Reise Moto ISRL Fan Park transformed EMS Corporation Stadium into a complete motorsport festival, featuring live music, racing simulators, interactive brand zones, food experiences, merchandise, and rider interactions, creating an immersive fan experience for families and enthusiasts alike.

Also Read: Tata Sierra EV Snapped Testing In India; Here’s What We Know So Far

With Season 2 concluding on a historic high, the Indian Supercross Racing League now looks ahead to expanding its footprint, strengthening grassroots development, and further positioning India on the global Supercross map.

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Motorsports

Nissan plans to double NISMO lineup by 2028

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

On the Dash:

Nissan plans to expand its global NISMO lineup from five models to 10 by 2028.
The move supports a broader turnaround strategy focused on motorsports and performance vehicles.
U.S. availability remains limited, and not all future NISMO models will reach every market.

Nissan plans to significantly expand its high-performance NISMO lineup as part of a broader turnaround strategy to reverse years of slowing sales and rebuild brand momentum.

The automaker announced this week that it intends to double the number of NISMO models offered globally, growing the lineup from five vehicles today to 10 by 2028. The expansion is tied to Nissan’s ongoing transformation plan, which places renewed emphasis on motorsports, performance engineering and enthusiast-focused products.

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NISMO, short for Nissan Motorsports, represents the company’s performance division and delivers upgraded versions of standard models. These vehicles typically feature more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions and distinctive exterior styling cues that set them apart from the core lineup.

In the U.S., Nissan currently offers just two NISMO-branded vehicles. The NISMO Z delivers an additional 20 horsepower compared with the standard Z and includes track-focused upgrades such as an oil cooler, performance tires and racing-style seats. The NISMO Armada, a recent addition, produces 35 more horsepower than the standard full-size SUV and includes suspension revisions and exterior enhancements.

While Nissan confirmed the global expansion, it did not specify which vehicles will receive NISMO variants or how many will be sold in the U.S. The company also indicated that not all 10 models are expected to be available in every market.

As part of the strategy, Nissan said it is open to working with external performance partners to broaden the NISMO portfolio. Those collaborations could help accelerate development and expand the brand’s reach without relying solely on in-house resources.

The NISMO push signals a shift in priorities for Nissan as it looks to reconnect with driving enthusiasts and strengthen its brand image. Performance models have historically served as halo vehicles, helping attract showroom traffic and reinforce engineering credibility across the broader lineup.

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Motorsports

The Inside Lane | Ep. 109: Matt Kaulig & Chris Rice

Published

2 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Devon Henry drives the inside lane, going inside the world of racing in the State of Arizona and NASCAR. In this episode of ‘The Inside Lane,’ Devon is joined by 29-time NASCAR National Series winners, two-time Xfinity Series regular season champions, and partners of the NASCAR Foundation. The Owner and the CEO of Kaulig Racing, in Welcome, North Carolina, it’s Matt Kaulig and Chris Rice.

Devon, Matt, and Chris dig into Chris’ health journey, the Speediatrics Fun Day, and NASCAR Foundation Speedy Bear Brigade. The trio also takes a deep dive into the philanthropy at Kaulig Racing and how it is affecting communities and children across North America.

0:59 Chris’ health journey

2:55 Kaulig Racing and Kaulig Giving charity and competition

4:37 The Speedy Bear Brigade

6:16 Building and growing the Speediatrics Fun Day

8:11 Giving back to the communities with the NASCAR Foundation

9:12 Mike Helton and winning the Betty Jane France Poker Tournament

10:28 How Kaulig Giving has impacted communities across North America

12:57 Teaching how to be philanthropic

15:46 How giving affects Matt and Chris

16:45 When Matt won a bike as a kid

17:12 The long lasting effect of the Speedy Bears

19:05 Samantha’s Gift of Hope

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Motorsports

Lindblad to drive Red Bull F1 car on Delhi streets in 2026 showrun

Published

3 hours ago

December 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The Red Bull team does more to promote Formula 1 around the world than any other team. Formula 1 owes Red Bull a debt of gratitude. Arvid Lindblad will make his first Formula 1 showrun as a Racing Bulls driver by taking a Red Bull F1 car onto the streets of Delhi for the Red Bull Moto Jam 2026

The ultimate celebration of motorsports is back says Red Bull!

Red Bull Moto Jam is one of India’s biggest motorsports festivals. After a first edition in Chennai, the motorsports spectacle visits the country’s capital with the second edition in 2026 taking place in Delhi NCR.

This first-of-a-kind multi-discipline motorsports extravaganza provides an immersive experience to thrill Indian fans.

The event will feature world-class athletes, including Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 driver Arvid Lindblad, who will dazzle the audience in a VCARB-branded F1 car.

Motorsports disciplines at Red Bull Moto Jam 2026:

F1 car showrun
Drifting
Stunt biking
Freestyle motocross (FMX)
Stunt cars

“Yeah, obviously very excited,” Lindblad said of the upcoming event to Autocar India. “The news is out about Red Bull Moto Jam. I think it’s going to be a really cool event. It’s going to be amazing driving an F1 car on the streets of Delhi.

“Even more special, it’s going to be my first showrun as a Formula 1 driver and doing that here in India with my heritage and background is obviously something I’m very excited about.

“I think it’s going to be an amazing event. It’s going to be just before the F1 season starts. So really looking forward to coming back to India and having some fun.”

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