Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing address SHR charter purchase in recent development amid NASCAR legal battle

There is an ongoing legal battle between NBA legend Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing team and NASCAR. The 23XI Racing team and Front Row Motorsports refiled their preliminary injunction on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, under "changed circumstances."

Earlier, NASCAR rejected both Cup Series teams' preliminary injunction due to a lack of evidence, and they were not able to show "irreparable harm." Instead, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were allowed to compete as open teams for the 2025 season.

Bob Pockrass, a NASCAR analyst for FOX Sports, recently revealed that the "new circumstances" for their refiled preliminary injunction are not yet public. He said:

"23XI and FRM have re-filed their motion for preliminary injunction. The “new circumstances” section is mostly redacted. They indicate they have three weeks to decide whether to close on the SHR charter purchase and certain sponsors want assurances on sponsoring a chartered car."

Despite the ongoing standoff, both 23XI Racing and FRM will run as open teams in the 2025 season, featuring new drivers. The team co-owned by Michael Jordan's will add Riley Herbst to the roster. Herbst will drive the #35 Toyota Camry for next season, and will be sponsored by Monster Energy.

On the other hand, Front Row Motorsports will add Tom Gilliland for their #34 Ford Mustang, along with Noah Gragson, whose number is yet to be decided. Despite running in the 2025 season, both teams could skip the clash at Bowman Gray.

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Denny Hamlin highlights that 23XI Racing could skip the Clash at NASCAR's historic track

NASCAR is returning to the historic track Bowman Gray Stadium for its first race before the Daytona 500 after 51 years. This will be the first time a stock car race has been held on the track since 1971. However, 23XI Racing and FRM could miss the event due to the ongoing feud.

Denny Hamlin recently went to the NASCAR award ceremony and shared his team's future for the 2025 season. He added:

“I don't know. I think a lot of dominoes need to fall, sponsorships, things like that. So, I don’t know if that decision’s been rock solid made yet, but things are so fluid. Over the next few weeks, we’ll probably know more."

Hamlin further mentioned that the clash is a good way to practice before the point-paying races. He added:

"The Clash is always a good rep. It’s certainly one where, even though you don’t have pressure there, it’s good for the teams to work some kinks out. So yes, but also, you’re probably going to go there and tear a lot of stuff. So, I don’t know. We’ll see."

The 150-lap nonpoint race will be held on February 2, 2024, and only Cup Series drives will be allowed to race at the clash sidelining 23XI Racing and FRM.