For those who are not aware, to this point, both parties in the ongoing lawsuit have exchanged sharp procedural and public blows. In early August, NASCAR attempted to escalate the conflict, filing a motion that hinted at behind-the-scenes coordination between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, their drivers, and sponsors. This was a heavy accusation, and there are big repercussions for both teams.

Motion filed on August 9 alleged that 23XI and FRM had not been forthcoming.

The accusation: The teams had encouraged or worked with drivers and sponsors to send emails and letters warning NASCAR that they might leave the teams if stripped of chartered status.

NASCAR’s response: They have painted this as an orchestrated campaign to apply improper pressure during the litigation, framing it as potentially sanctionable behavior. But while the governing body sought to put the spotlight on what it called questionable tactics, the court’s focus has consistently remained fixed on the larger monopoly claims. Now, the latest ruling on the matter has only reinforced that commitment and delivered a stinging setback.

On August 11, Judge Kenneth D. Bell flatly denied NASCAR’s request for a “show cause” order against 23XI and FRM. In his written decision, Bell determined that the motion did not advance the case’s core issues and seemed more intended to sway public opinion or cast the opposing side in a negative light.

He also underlined that high-stakes cases like this one inevitably invite “gamesmanship” from both sides. But unless actions involve dishonesty or the promotion of false testimony, rallying third-party support from sponsors or partners is neither unusual nor improper. His order was a clear signal that the court would not be distracted from addressing whether NASCAR’s business practices unlawfully restrict competition in stock car racing.

The ruling will likely become one of the most talked-about moments in this lawsuit so far. The decision shuts down NASCAR’s attempt to score an interim win against Michael Jordan’s team and its ally. It also publicly frames the motion as a baseless distraction from the central antitrust claims.

With the court making it clear that it will not entertain side disputes meant to influence perception, the path ahead is set for an even more concentrated fight over the charter system’s legality. That fight will shape not only the outcome of this case but potentially the commercial and competitive structure of NASCAR for years to come.

One thing is clear. The courtroom spotlight will shift squarely onto whether NASCAR’s charter system crosses legal lines. The dismissal of this latest motion strips away one layer of procedural sparring. It leaves the sport’s future business model hanging on the outcome of a single, defining legal battle. Now, all that is because Michael Jordan chose to raise his voice.

While nothing is certain as of yet, the NBA legend, 23XI co-owner, was seen cheering for his team at the latest outing at Watkins Glen.

Michael Jordan attends Watkins Glen

MJ’s presence was turning heads both in the garage and in the grandstands. He spent time in the team’s pit area during Go Bowling at The Glen. He was seen mingling with crew members and greeting fans. His visit came on a weekend when 23XI’s two-car lineup was looking to make a strong statement on the challenging road course. And, even the results spoke for themselves.

Both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick delivered top-10 finishes. Wallace took eighth and Reddick followed in ninth. It was a solid haul of points on a track where consistency and precision often decide the day. However, Wallace sounded his concerns, saying, “We’re still missing the beat a little bit just from the start of the weekend. So, we just had to execute, run a clean race all day, and make the most of it. That’s what we did, and we come out with a top-10.” On one hand, where the drivers are introspecting, some already believe that 23XI has outperformed the big names in the industry (including Joe Gibbs’ Garage).

Having its high-profile owner on site to watch those performances firsthand made the occasion all the more significant. Especially for a team still building its road-course pedigree. And Jordan’s trip to the Finger Lakes region wasn’t just about race day.

He was seen engaging with team members in the garage, observing pre-race preparations, and soaking in the unique atmosphere of NASCAR’s only New York stop.