The antitrust lawsuit pitting 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR heated up in a Charlotte courtroom today, drawing eyes from fans and insiders alike. And in the middle of that conversation were reportedly some expletive-laced text messages and emails that both team owners and stock car racing executives exchanged, sharing their frustrations over the unfortunate situation. As per multiple reports, the first series of messages that made its way in front of Judge Kenneth Bell was one from September 7, 2024, between 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan and his business partner, Curtis Polk.

Jordan: “Gibbs signed?”
Polk: “Yep. Sounds like he got thrown a bone at the 11th hour that is going to be documented in a side letter but I don’t know what that issue is”.
Jordan: “F—ers!!!!”
Jordan: “I think people understand our fight. Good things will come from this. Teams are going to regret not supporting us. P—ies!!!!!!”

In a separate instance, co-owner Denny Hamlin reportedly wrote as per NASCAR’s opposition report as per Motorsport.com’s Matt Weaver, “In short, I’m in for the fight with NASCAR. My despise of the France family runs deep, but whatever we do, please lets not sabotage our own business over principle when it comes down to it. Love you all and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.” In another text exchange on June 6, 2024, between Hamlin and 23XI president Steve Lauletta, the latter wrote, “I wish I knew what to do and what is the best investment path. Being in for the long haul and Jim dying is probably the answer.”

Also present were many exchanges between NASCAR leadership like CEO Jim France, President Steve O’Donnell, Commissioner Steve Phelps, Executive Vice Chairwoman Lesa France-Kennedy and EVP, Chief Strategy Officer, Scott Prime:

O’Donnell: “Lesa called. “Spoke to Gary (Crotty), Mike (Helton) and Jim (France). They all thought meeting was productive and that we just need to keep trying to move the needle. Teams won’t get everything they want and hopefully we can just meet in the middle. I just listened as she didn’t want to hear any opinions but I of course didn’t hold back. I just asked for someone in the mtg to point out how any of our positions are going to grow the sport and position us for a big rights renewal in the future.”

Phelps: “Productive? Insanity. Look at the Amanda chart – zero wins for the teams.” 

“The draft must reflect a middle position of we are dead in the water – they will sign them but we are fu—d moving forward”

“I feel better now. Thanks for that.”

Prime: “The approach of ‘here is a bit more money, f–k off everywhere else’ is a bold strategy”

O’Donnell: “And one that Lesa said both Mike and Gary thought is getting us close. Close to a comfortable 1996, f–k the teams, dictatorship, motorsport, redneck, southern, tiny sport.”

These unfiltered exchanges underscored the high tensions in the room, as 23XI and Front Row argued the charter system stifles competition and violates antitrust laws. The teams’ legal push centers on preserving their chartered status, which ensures guaranteed starts and revenue amid fears of NASCAR reassigning those spots. Jordan, stepping to the mic post-hearing, reinforced their resolve. “I’ve always said that I want to fight for the betterment of the sport… The point is that the sport itself needs to continually change for the fans as well as for the teams, as well as for NASCAR to fairly understand that,” he mentioned.

Hamlin, absent from the hearing but central to the texts, has echoed this through his podcast, criticizing how the system favors NASCAR’s control. “I feel like we made a good statement today,” Jordan added, hinting at their commitment to see the fight through, even if it means a full trial in December. As Bell is set to rule next week on whether the team will be allowed to race under trial or as open teams for the rest of the season, these revelations have amplified the drama, putting pressure on NASCAR to address owner grievances head-on.

However, amid the serious barbs, lighter moments emerged from the evidence pile. One exchange between Jordan and a key advisor caught many eyes for its humor.

Michael Jordan’s playful charter texts

A text chain between Michael Jordan and 23XI president Curtis Polk, shown in court, brought some levity to the tense day. When Polk suggested selling a charter amid the standoff, Jordan fired back: “I’m not selling even if they were for sale at [redacted]. What would we do?” Polk quipped, “This is just a hobby!!!” Jordan laughed it off with, “Yep. HA! Only can play but so much golf,” underscoring his view of racing as more passion than profit.

The banter escalated when Jordan proposed investing big. “Totally understand. I will do it at a million. See if Toyota will support us if we decide to keep him for 2025 and we are able to get a charter.” Polk pushed back: “No way. We would be burning millions. Invest in what we have and make it better.” Jordan’s reply sealed the humor:  “I have lost that in a casino. Let’s do it”.

Denny Hamlin chimed in on X later, sharing the exchange with a laugh. “My lawyers said don’t tweet. So this is me not doing that. Hope everyone had a great day!” Matt Weaver noted on X: “A humorous text exchange between Curtis Polk and Michael Jordan that NASCAR included today,” highlighting how even in legal battles, personal bonds shine through. These snippets humanize the high-stakes fight, reminding everyone that behind the lawsuits, real relationships drive the push for change.