Motorsports
Michael Jordan’s fight against NASCAR heads to court, could shake up motorsports | KTAB
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.
___
AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
Motorsports
Former Watkins Glen President Michael Printup 1965-2025
Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup at 60 years of age. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.
Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.
Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (and wife Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.
A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483)
Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
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Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
![]()
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
Motorsports
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering To Celebrate the World’s Most Iconic Vehicles
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering returns to Monterey Car Week Aug. 14, 2026, to celebrate the world’s most iconic automotive brands and historic vehicles, company officials stated in a press release. The event will showcase four featured classes and an exclusive collector series. The 23rd annual event will also include more than a dozen vehicle debuts from top OEMs and designers and a curated display of hundreds of rare and unique vehicles.
Four celebrated classes will take center stage at next year’s event: The 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Lamborghini Diablo, The Legacy of Japanese GTs, and The Ferrari F40.
The 100th Anniversary of Route 66
Spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 symbolizes freedom, adventure and the enduring spirit of the American road trip, noted the release. This special featured class will pay tribute to the highway’s cultural impact through a curated lineup of classic vehicles that once traveled America’s “Mother Road,” each honoring Route 66’s role in shaping American automotive history and inspiring generations of travelers.
The Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo featured class will celebrate the “poster car” of the 1990s. Lamborghini’s first model capable of exceeding 200 mph and a former holder of the world’s fastest production car title, the Diablo stands as an icon of futuristic design and breakthrough engineering, solidifying Lamborghini’s standing as a trailblazer in modern supercar performance, event organizers said. The class will include Diablo examples, highlighting rare specifications and limited-production editions.
The Legacy of Japanese GTs
Celebrating the legacy of Japanese automotive craftsmanship, the artistry of customizable styling and advanced technology, The Legacy of Japanese GTs class will showcase a selection of the most influential and sought-after models. Famous for their distinctive blend of performance, precision and tunability, Japanese GTs have earned a devoted following among enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ferrari F40
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will honor an iconic Ferrari model for the second consecutive year with The Ferrari F40 featured class. Celebrated as one of the most iconic supercars ever built and introduced in 1987 to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 was the final Ferrari model to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. This class will highlight the raw performance and engineering excellence that continue to define Ferrari’s legacy.

The Bruce Meyer Collection
The Quail will also introduce an all-new collector series that will highlight unique collections from renowned collectors and enthusiasts. Among them, Bruce Meyer is widely recognized as one of the most passionate and influential car collectors in the hot rod and classic car spaces. Driven by his signature mantra, “never lift,” Meyer has assembled one of the finest private collections of Le Mans-winning race cars, Bonneville land speed cars, trend-setting hot rods and many other cars and motorcycles of historical significance. The Bruce Meyer Collection will present an exclusive selection that reflects his profound appreciation for the automotive hobby.
Timeless Craftsmanship & Heritage Will Be on Display at The Quail
“Our new featured classes, alongside the debut of the collector series, are propelling The Quail into an exciting new era,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports at The Quail. “Collectively, they showcase emerging technologies and design philosophies, while upholding the timeless craftsmanship and heritage that have been at the heart of this event for more than two decades.”
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will also include eight returning traditional classes, including Custom Coachwork, Pre-War Sports and Racing Cars, Post-War Sports Cars 1945-60, Post-War Sports Cars 1961-75, Post-War Racing Cars, Sports and Racing Motorcycles, Evolution of the Supercar and The Great Ferraris.
The vehicle entrant application is currently open.
Motorsports
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Motorsports
Business Leader and Former NASCAR Team Marketing Executive Tony Priscaro Releases His New Book Still Standing, A Real-World Guide to Building Credibility When the Stakes Are High – Speedway Digest
Tony Priscaro, founder of PK Velocity Sports & Entertainment and a veteran sports marketing executive, has released his debut book, Still Standing, now available on Amazon and Kindle. The book delivers a candid, practical look at leadership, resilience, and value creation drawn from decades operating at the intersection of professional sports and business.
Unlike traditional business books rooted in theory, Still Standing is built on real-world execution—closing high-stakes deals, navigating career pivots, managing risk, and rebuilding momentum when circumstances collapse.
“This isn’t a book about success,” said Priscaro. “It’s about what happens between success—the pressure, the setbacks, the moments where quitting feels logical but staying the course matters most.”
Priscaro’s career spans professional sports marketing, NASCAR sponsorship strategy, corporate partnerships, and brand development. In Still Standing, he translates lessons learned in high-pressure sports environments into actionable insights for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals.
“In sports, there’s no room for excuses,” Priscaro said. “You either deliver or you don’t. That same reality exists in business—especially when trust, reputation, and credibility are on the line.”
A Business Book Disguised as a Story
While the book draws on experiences from NASCAR, professional basketball, and national brand partnerships, Still Standing is ultimately about business fundamentals: decision-making under uncertainty, earning trust without credentials, and creating value when resources are limited.
“Brands don’t care where you went to school,” Priscaro noted. “They care if you can reduce risk, execute consistently, and deliver results. That lesson applies to every industry.”
The book has already begun resonating with professionals navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, and entrepreneurial risk.
Supporting Speaking & Executive Engagements
The release of Still Standing coincides with Priscaro’s expanded focus on executive speaking engagements and business workshops. His talks center on leadership under pressure, credibility over credentials, and what professional sports reveal about how decisions are really made in business.
“I didn’t write this book to sell books,” said Priscaro. “I wrote it to start conversations—with leaders, teams, and organizations that want to perform when the stakes are real.”
Tony Priscaro PR
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