Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin have voiced their frustrations over NASCAR’s handling of a legal battle involving their team, 23XI Racing. In a recent interview, both Jordan and Hamlin criticized NASCAR for what they perceived as a personal attack in the dispute. The legal issue stemmed from NASCAR’s decision to fine and penalize 23XI Racing for violations related to their car setups and rules during the season.
Jordan, a co-owner of 23XI Racing, expressed his disbelief over the harshness of the penalties and how the situation had escalated beyond the usual regulatory issues. He pointed out that, rather than focusing on the specifics of the technical violations, NASCAR had made the conflict about the team and its reputation, turning it into a personal matter. Jordan emphasized how the situation was blown out of proportion and how it was damaging to the team’s image, something that was hard for him to accept as a businessman who had worked hard to build the team.
Hamlin, the other co-owner and a NASCAR driver, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the league’s response felt overly vindictive and aimed at undermining their credibility in the racing world. Both Jordan and Hamlin noted that NASCAR’s actions went beyond typical regulatory enforcement, making it clear they felt their team was being unfairly targeted.
This legal battle has raised questions about the relationship between NASCAR’s governing body and its team owners, especially those like Jordan, who are high-profile figures from outside the racing world. The situation also highlights the challenges of navigating the complex balance between sports regulation and business interests in the high-stakes world of NASCAR.
