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12/01 10:26 CST NASCAR antitrust trial opens with Michael Jordan on hand and
huge stakes
NASCAR antitrust trial opens with Michael Jordan on hand and huge stakes
By JENNA FRYER
AP Auto Racing Writer
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) --- The federal antitrust trial against NASCAR opened
Monday with the star power of Michael Jordan on hand as a jury of nine was
seated to hear allegations that the stock car series is a monopolistic bully
that leaves its teams no option but to comply with rules and financing they
don't agree with.
The retired NBA Hall of Famer is the co-owner of the 23XI Racing team at the
top Cup Series level. 23XI and Front Row Motorsports sued the series last year
rather than sign extension agreements on new charters, which are franchise-type
designations that serve as the framework for the revenue stream between NASCAR
and the teams.
Six men and three women were seated for a trial expected to last two weeks
before U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell, who asked for opening statements to be
completed later Monday.
Jordan's presence in the courtroom was a factor: Among those dismissed from
serving on the jury was a man who said he can't be impartial because "I like
Mike" and another who said he had Michael Jordan posters on his walls growing
up. A third dismissed juror pointed and winked at Jordan as he left the
courtroom while a juror said they were a North Carolina fan but noted the
football team at Jordan's alma mater "aren't doing too well right now" to which
the retired star shook his head and laughed.
The case has churned through hearings and arguments for more than a year
despite calls from other NASCAR teams to settle. Bell even helped mediate a
failed two-day summit in October.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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