Michael Waltrip brands Michael Jordan’s NASCAR lawsuit as “white noise”

NASCAR veteran Michael Waltrip gave a straightforward response to NBA legend Michael Jordan's lawsuit against the sport.

Michael Waltrip brands Michael Jordan’s NASCAR lawsuit as “white noise”

Michael Waltrip (via Imago images) and Michael Jordan (via Imago images)

The NASCAR community is divided since last year when Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin‘s team 23XI Racing filed a lawsuit alongside Front Row Motorsports over the updated charter model. The two teams kickstarted the legal battle in October 2024 and were permitted to continue to race under the preexisting model till a verdict was reached. Now, NASCAR veteran Michael Waltrip has given his opinion over the situation.

Waltrip acknowledged that the lawsuit was a big deal in the sport. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports took a big step that would be decisive for the future of all teams in the field. The 61-year-old asserted that the case was certainly very important for NASCAR.

It’s a big deal between Front Row Motorsports, 23XI, and NASCAR. I’m not taking away from the importance of the lawsuit.

Michael Waltrip told EssentiallySports
YouTube video

However, Michael Waltrip claimed that for the majority of fans including himself, the lawsuit was nothing more than ‘white noise.’ He reckoned that the involved parties will figure something out in the future to ensure things remain in place. Moreover, Waltrip pointed out that one thing that will not change irrespective of the verdict, is that fans will still be filling the grandstands every Sunday. The 61-year-old also pointed out that the team model in NASCAR will stay put.

To me, and I think for many of the race fans, it’s white noise. They’ll figure that out. There’s going to be fans in the grandstands every Sunday. It ain’t going to end NASCAR and it’s not going to end the team model.

Michael Waltrip explained

The veteran claimed that he does care about the result of the lawsuit by Michael Jordan‘s team. Though, Michael Waltrip highlighted that the case does not affect him when it comes to watching NASCAR as fans are still able to enjoy the show.

I care from the aspect that I want to see how it all turns out. But as far as enjoying a weekend of racing, it has nothing to do with it for me.

Michael Waltrip stated

Everything you needs to know about the NASCAR lawsuit

NASCAR teams race under a charter model. This system has been in place for almost a decade. Teams such as Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske hold four charters, allowing them to race four cars in the field. However, as per NASCAR’s updated model last year, the number of charters would be limited to three.

Bubba Wallace and Michael Jordan
Bubba Wallace and Michael Jordan (Via IMAGO)

Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing joined forces with Front Row Motorsports to launch the lawsuit. The two teams disagreed with the proposed changes, accusing NASCAR of trying to create a monopolistic system and suppressing teams. The court initially ruled in favor of the plaintiffs. Teams were allowed to continue to race as per the old charter rules.

However, the sport responded in March this year by filing a counterclaim with the US Court of Appeals. NASCAR claimed that the ruling given by U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell lacked fairness. The sport claims that they possess the authority to make regulations and deny all accusations of trying to create a monopolistic system.

The trial is still few months away. However, it is clear that a lot is at stake for NASCAR and all teams, not just 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The final verdict will have massive repercussions for the sport as a precedent for the future.