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NBA legend Michael Jordan has filed an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR in federal court in North Carolina.
On Wednesday (Oct. 2), NBA Hall-of-Famer Michael Jordan and his 23XI Racing Team joined Front Row Motorsports in filing a federal anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR and its chairman, Jim France. The suit was filed in the Western District of North Carolina, where Charlotte is located. Jordan is also a part owner of the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets. “The France family and NASCAR are monopolistic bullies,” the teams said in the filing. “And bullies will continue to impose their will to hurt others until their targets stand up and refuse to be victims. That moment has now arrived.”
The main point of contention lies in the charter system which NASCAR implemented in 2016 which included revenue sharing and 36 guaranteed entries in the league’s Cup Series. Teams complained that they were presented with a last-minute offer 48 hours before the playoffs began. “Faced with a take-it-or-leave-it offer, and no competing opportunity for premier stock car racing in the United States, most of the teams concluded that they had to sign,” the lawsuit states. “One team described its signing as ‘coerced,’ and another said it was ‘under duress.’ 23XI Racing Team and Front Row Motorsports declined to sign the deal.
The lawsuit also disclosed a lack of transparency from France, complaining that NASCAR prevented teams from competing in other stock car races and forced them to buy parts only from NASCAR-approved suppliers. “No other major professional sport in North America is run by a single family that enriches themselves through these kinds of unchecked monopolistic practices,” the lawsuit said.
“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan said in a statement. “I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.” Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins claimed that he hasn’t made a profit since joining NASCAR in 2005, despite his driver Michael McDowell winning the Daytona 500 in 2021. “We need a more competitive and fair system where teams, drivers, and sponsors can be rewarded for our collective investment by building long-term enterprise value, just like every other successful professional sports league,” he said to ESPN.
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Start your engines: Tillys just launched an exclusive NASCAR merch line including a Pit Stop jacket that’s not only bold in color, but features NASCAR-approved patches and graphics in addition to windproof materials. Everything else from the collaboration will give you nostalgia, as the collection spotlights vintage-inspired graphic T-shirts and loungewear that’ll have you racing to fill your cart.
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The collection went live on Aug. 16 and showcases a range of T-shirts, pullovers, sweatshirts and sweatpants that will keep you comfy and streetwear-ready on and off the racetrack. Prices range from $35 to $125, with sizes S-XXL offered. These pieces are available only on Tillys, including the graphics, which you won’t see anywhere else.
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With the Coke Zero 400 getting ready to premiere on Saturday (Aug. 24), this collection comes just in time to stock you up on fashion-forward styles. And, for fans of the Daytona 500, there are some retro-themed T-shirts available that spotlight the major racing event.
Sizes are already selling out, which means you probably won’t want to sleep on it too long before snagging this NASCAR merch.
Below, ShopBillboard put together our favorite picks from the Tillys x NASCAR collection to help inspire your shopping spree.
Tillys
TILLYS x NASCAR Stock Car Mens Boxy Tee
Embrace the vintage look with this soft green T-shirt. The style features a faded base color for a more worn in appearance as well as comes in an oversized fit that’ll give you a more relaxed vibe.
Tillys
TILLYS x NASCAR Racing Mens Crewneck Sweatshirt
Bring your love for racing to your closet with this basic pullover. The front features NASCAR’s iconic logo and a high crewneck that’ll keep you warm and comfy as you cheer on your favorite driver.
Tillys
TILLYS x NASCAR Great American Race Mens Boxy Tee
The Daytona 500 gets a moment with this graphic T-shirt. When you slip it on, you’ll notice it comes with an oversized fit for a more casual, relaxed feel and will pair easily with joggers, jeans and even biker shorts.
Tillys
TILLYS x NASCAR Since 1948 Mens Hoodie
Bundle up in a simple NASCAR sweatshirt that has a soft interior material that’ll help lock heat in. The built-in hood is also ideal for blocking out wind when the temps dip while the front pocket will let you store your phone, wallet and keys.
Tillys
TILLYS x NASCAR Pit Stop Mens Jacket
Make a statement with this bold NASCAR jacket that’ll have you channeling the classic pit-crew style. The jacket comes with embroidered graphics including the official NASCAR logo in addition to speedway patterns along the sleeves for added style. Its windproof shell will also help keep you warm during chillier days.
Professional racing isn’t the only area that the clothing brand launches collections with — the clothing company has also delved into other sports and entertainment collaborations including MBA, NBA, Cobra Kai and the hit movie Deadpool & Wolverine.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best celebrity sneaker collaborations, date night outfits and Abercrombie’s NFL collection.
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