NASCAR chief reveals series willing to settle in Michael Jordan 23XI legal battle

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps has revealed that the stock car racing series are willing to entertain a settlement in their legal battle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

23XI, the Cup Series team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, along with FRM, sued NASCAR last October, alleging anticompetitive and monopolistic practices.

NASCAR HEADLINES: Officials slam 23XI as Cup Series team facing multiple suspensions

The pair have gone back and forth in court since, with the latest twist in the case coming earlier this week, with the two teams filing a restraining order against NASCAR as they look to protect their chartered status.

The wider lawsuit case is set to be heard in court on December 1st, but now, Phelps has opened up on the ongoing case in an interview.

READ MORE: Denny Hamlin hit with NASCAR penalty as four Cup Series drivers guilty of same offence

NASCAR open to 23XI FRM settlement

"I don’t know what’s gonna happen," Phelps admitted when quizzed on the case in an interview with Puck News.

"The lawsuit is supposed to be an antitrust lawsuit. I don’t believe it’s an antitrust lawsuit. I think it’s just a contractual dispute.

"We had 13 of the 15 charter holders representing 32 teams sign. On balance, if there are winners and losers to the charter extension, I think the teams won. The number one thing the teams wanted was more money, which is exactly what we gave to them."

Phelps continued, revealing that NASCAR were willing to entertain a settlement, but admitted he was unsure of what it is 23XI and Front Row are seeking.

"We’re either gonna settle or we’re gonna go to court," the NASCAR commissioner continued.

"Do I think we’d be willing to entertain a settlement? Yeah. To date, they have not come with anything.

"I don’t even know what their demands are. I don’t even know what they’re suing for."

READ MORE: Michael Jordan-owned 23XI attempt to save Cup Series status as 'immediate' sale prepared

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