23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports shocked NASCAR and its fans after they went after the sport, accusing it of monopolistic practices. In the last couple of years, 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan has been very vocal about the problems in NASCAR’s functionality and fairness. But his entire stance surprisingly changed coming into the 2026 Daytona 500, just a couple of months after their settlement.

Michael Jordan’s changed stance on NASCAR

In a rare turn of events, Michael Jordan lauded the efforts by NASCAR as Jim France and Co. concluded the lawsuit. Speaking about it in a recent interview, the 23XI Racing co-owner shed light on how communication saved them from having further implications going into the 2026 season.

“Communication,” Jordan said in a recent interview with FOX. “The thing is that both sides have been at a stalemate, and we both needed to have conversations about change, about how we can grow this sport. Unfortunately, we had to go through what we had to go through last summer. But I think coming out of that, we have a much better appreciation for each other.”

Following this, Jordan highlighted how fans played a big part in it, which led to the change in the lawsuit standoff, playoff format, and overall takes by NASCAR officials.

“And I think it opens up conversations amongst each other to continually grow the game. Don’t forget about the fans,” Jordan added. “The fans make this game so much enjoyable to watch. So as much as we can listen, change, please the fans, please the teams, as well as continually grow the sport, I think everybody’s going to be okay.”

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Jordan’s statement comes after NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports agreed on a landmark settlement in December last year. As per the settlement, which is valued at $364.7 million, NASCAR agreed to provide permanent charters to the teams, increase revenue, and give them back the finances they lost during the lawsuit period.

23XI and FRM filed the lawsuit against Jim France’s NASCAR, alleging them of unfair monopoly practices and restrictive contract terms. However, after a little more than a year’s standoff, both sides agreed on a mutual agreement.

Thanks to the agreement, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have signed their new charter contracts. While the fight against NASCAR is over, co-owner Hamlin is likely to remember this for a long time.

Hamlin believes the lawsuit was worth fighting for

Joe Gibbs Racing driver and 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin was of the opinion that the lawsuit was “worth fighting for,” considering a broader and stronger foundation for the future. For someone who churned out nearly two decades in the sport, the fight makes sense.

“I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life,” Hamlin said after the mutual agreement. “Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am. That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand. We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers, and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve.”

Currently, 23XI Racing operates with three full-time charters for Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Riley Herbst, and one part-time charter for Corey Heim. Front Row Motorsports also operates the same way, full-time charters for Todd Gilliland, Noah Gragson, and Zane Smith, and part-time for Chandler Smith.