Reports have confirmed that basketball legend Michael Jordan is suing NASCAR and it’s CEO Jim France, calling them “monopolistic bullies.”
Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a lawsuit in a federal court in North Carolina yesterday(October 2) after the two teams say they refused to sign updated pacts with NASCAR over “unfair terms.”
Both teams demanded more when it came to extending their charter agreements beyond 2024, but neither MASCAR or France was willing to negotiate their share of the revenue. Both teams claim the org. pressured them into agreeing to a “take-it-or-leave-it” offer that if they did not agree to, they could risk losing their charters in the future.
Both teams filed a suit and an injunction that would allow them to compete in the 2025 season without releasing their antitrust claims by putting pen to France’s paper.
Both teams said that they wanted to stifle France’s and NASCAR’s “unlawful monopoly power.”
“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans,” Jordan said of the lawsuit in a statement, “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.”
Jordan’s 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin said, “When I look around, I see that the best and most competitive sports in the world understand that when teams thrive, fans benefit, and that everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success. With the right changes, we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”
Ricky Stenhouse Jr., a prominent figure in the world of NASCAR, has built a notable career as a professional stock car racing driver. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be $3 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Stenhouse’s journey from his early days in racing to becoming a recognized name in NASCAR showcases his dedication, talent, and perseverance in a highly competitive sport.
Born on October 2, 1987, in Memphis, Tennessee, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. developed a passion for racing at a young age. With the support of his family, he began racing go-karts and gradually moved up to more competitive circuits. His early successes laid the foundation for a career that would see him rise through the ranks of NASCAR and establish himself as a formidable driver on the track.
Early Career & Rise In NASCAR
BRISTOL, TN – MARCH 14: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #17 Nationwide Insurance Ford, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway on March 14, 2014 in Bristol, Tennessee. (Photo by Will Schneekloth/Getty Images)
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s professional career began in the ARCA Racing Series, where he quickly demonstrated his skill and potential. His impressive performances caught the attention of NASCAR teams, leading to his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (then known as the Nationwide Series) in 2009. Stenhouse’s aggressive driving style and consistency soon paid off, and he secured his first win in the series in 2011.
The pinnacle of Stenhouse’s Xfinity Series career came in 2011 and 2012 when he won back-to-back championships. These achievements highlighted his talent and cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s rising stars. His success in the Xfinity Series paved the way for his transition to the NASCAR Cup Series, where he continued to build his career and expand his net worth.
Success In The NASCAR Cup Series
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 21: NASCAR Cup Series driver, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., winner of the 65th Annual Daytona 500 and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot pose for photos on February 21, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
In 2013, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. made his full-time debut in the NASCAR Cup Series with Roush Fenway Racing. Competing against some of the biggest names in motorsports, he faced the challenge of proving himself at the highest level. Despite the increased competition, Stenhouse’s determination and skill shone through, and he earned the 2013 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year award.
Stenhouse’s first Cup Series win came in 2017 at the Talladega Superspeedway, followed by a second victory at the Daytona International Speedway. These wins were significant milestones in his career, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure and compete with the best in the sport. His performances in the Cup Series have been key contributors to his $3 million net worth, highlighting his competitiveness and resilience.
Personal Life & Endorsements
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #47 Kroger/Cottonelle Chevrolet, displays his Daytona 500 ring as he poses with wife, Madyson Joye Stenhouse in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series 65th Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 19, 2023 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
Outside of racing, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. has been involved in various endorsement deals and partnerships, further boosting his income and public profile. His marketability as a successful NASCAR driver has attracted sponsorships from major brands, contributing to his overall net worth. These endorsements have allowed Stenhouse to establish a presence beyond the racetrack, making him a recognizable figure in the broader sports community.
Stenhouse’s personal life has also garnered media attention, particularly his past relationship with fellow NASCAR driver Danica Patrick. Their high-profile relationship brought additional visibility to both drivers, blending their personal and professional lives in the public eye. Despite their eventual breakup, Stenhouse has continued to focus on his racing career and maintain a positive public image.
Stenhouse’s commitment to the sport extends beyond his own career, as he is also known for his involvement in charitable activities and community engagement. His efforts to give back to the community reflect his values and dedication to making a positive impact off the track.
Mark Martin has proclaimed himself a big fan of Gucci Mane. On a podcast appearance, the retired NASCAR driver spoke about the current state of race car driving. He commented on his legacy in NASCAR and talked about his musical taste. Surprisingly, Martin revealed he is a massive Gucci Mane fan, and the internet is loving it. One of the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time is a Guwop-stan. Martin, who is 65, is a real one, and he believes Gucci is on another level than everybody else.
Martin is regarded as a legend in NASCAR. He raced for over three decades and was known for his consistency and numerous victories. He is also a respected entrepreneur with a portfolio that has amassed him quite a fortune. How did Martin get into the Atlanta rap legend so heavily that he thinks he’s the GOAT? It involves Martin getting into rap in the early 2000s and the mix tape era of the 2010s.
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 21: NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee Mark Martin takes a photo with two young fans during the NASCAR Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Fan Appreciation Day at NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 21, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
Martin was a guest on the Rubbing is Racing podcast, where he discussed his career, among other things. The retired NASCAR great got to talking about his musical tastes and professed his love of Gucci Mane’s music. “I’ma tell you right now, in my opinion, there is no one in the same zip code as Gucci Mane,” said Martin. He continued, “If I rapped, I would never do a duo with him. Every time he does one with anybody, he just crushes them. I mean, this guy is unbelievable.” He explained that he prefers the old Gucci to the new Gucci, saying he liked it when he was “fat and scary.”
Martin explained his rap evolution, saying it started with Dr. Dre in the early 2000s. Then, from Dre, he shifted to Eminem. The NASCAR great discovered Gucci Mane from one of his son’s friends and never looked back. He was heavy into the music, saying he had to download mixtapes because you couldn’t find Wops stuff on iTunes. A 65-year-old NASCAR great being a Gucci Mane fan is surprising, but it’s also really cool. Mark Martin is a real one, for sure.
Mark Martin is a celebrated figure in the world of NASCAR. He boasts a net worth of approximately $70 million as of 2024, as reported by CelebrityNetWorth. His journey through the high-speed corridors of professional racing has not only marked him as one of the sport’s most skilled drivers but also a shrewd entrepreneur. Martin’s career, spanning over three decades, is punctuated with numerous victories and consistent performances, significantly contributing to his financial success and reputation in the racing community.
Early Years & Rise In Racing
CHARLOTTE, NC – JANUARY 20: Mark Martin speaks to the media following his induction to the NASCAR Hall of Fame at the NASCAR Hall of Fame on January 20, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)
Mark Martin’s initiation into racing began at a young age in Batesville, Arkansas, where he was born and raised. His passion for speed was evident from his early teens, and by the age of 15, he was already competing in local races. Martin’s professional debut in the NASCAR series in the early 1980s marked the beginning of one of the most commendable careers in motorsports history. His meticulous driving style and relentless pursuit of perfection helped him quickly ascend the ranks, culminating in his first win in the NASCAR Cup Series by the decade’s end.
Pinnacle Of Career Achievements
KANSAS CITY, KS – APRIL 20: Mark Martin, driver of the #55 Aaron’s Dream Machine Toyota, looks on in the garage during practice for the. NASACAR Sprint Cup Series 400 at Kansas Speedway on April 20, 2012, also in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo by Tyler Barrick/Getty Images)
Mark Martin achieved significant milestones throughout his illustrious career that set him apart from his peers. He has been a runner-up in the NASCAR Cup Series championships five times. It is a testament to his skill and consistency on the track. Further, Martin’s 40 Cup Series wins place him among the elite in NASCAR history. It showed his ability to compete at the highest levels against formidable opponents. Beyond his success in the Cup Series, Martin also excelled in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He holds the record for the most wins. His influence extended beyond the racetrack, as he often mentored younger drivers and promoted the sport globally.
Business Ventures & Endorsements
LOUDON, NH – SEPTEMBER 20: Mark Martin, driver of the #5 CARQUEST/Kellogg’s Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane after winnng the. NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Sylvania 300 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 20, 2009, also in Loudon, New Hampshire. (Photo by Geoff Burke/Getty Images for NASCAR)
Moreover, Mark Martin demonstrated an astute acumen for business and investments. His wealth is not solely attributed to his racing winnings. A substantial portion comes from endorsements and his business ventures. Martin has also been associated with high-profile brands throughout his career. He leverages his fame and reputable image to establish a solid endorsement portfolio. Furthermore, he ventured into automotive dealership, owning multiple outlets that deal in high-end and performance cars, thus broadening his financial base beyond the oval tracks.
Mark Martin’s journey through NASCAR is a compelling narrative of resilience, skill, and strategic foresight. His ability to remain relevant in the fast-paced world of motorsports and his ventures into business are reflective of his multifaceted career and life, which continue to inspire many in and out of the racing circuits. His legacy in NASCAR, coupled with his business acumen, ensures that his influence will be felt for years to come.
Noah Gregson, a driver for NASCAR’s Legacy Motor Club, has been suspended by his team for liking a George Floyd meme on social media. Gregson appeared to like a meme on Instagram which photoshopped George Floyd’s face onto an image of Sebastian from The Little Mermaid with the caption “Under Da Knee” in reference to Floyd’s murder in 2020. Additionally, at the time of writing, Gregson is 33rd in the NASCAR standings. His best finish this season was a 12th-place finish at the Ambetter Heath 400. He also had a 20th-place finish at the EchoPark Automotive Grand Prix.
“We have made the decision to suspend Noah Gregson effective immediately regarding his actions that do represent the values our team. Josh Berry will drive the No. 42 entry for this weekend’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Michigan,” the team wrote on social media. “I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. I understand the severity of this situation.” Gregson’s post continued “I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are, I messed up plain and simple.” Gregson’s response was
I am disappointed in myself for my lack of attention and actions on social media. I understand the severity of this situation. I love and appreciate everyone. I try to treat everyone equally no matter who they are. I messed up plain and simple. https://t.co/PCX6iMJxRF
Sunday’s Firekeepers Casino 400 in Michigan is the fourth-from-last race in the regular season. Gregson’s suspension doesn’t really impact the league standings. In 33rd place, Gregson is 271 points behind the 16th-place cutoff for the NASCAR playoffs. With a string of finishes in the mid-20s in his most recent races, it’s unlike that Gregson was going to overcome that gap in the standings. However, the move is more emblematic of the progress that the NASCAR Series has made in recent years.
NASCAR has been one of the biggest forces in pushing social justice messages, especially after the murder of George Floyd. “It was a moment in time back in June that seemed, for us, it was the right time to act. I think it was the right time for our country. I think it was the right time for our sport. The response to that was fantastic,” NASCAR President Steve Phelps said in 2021. In the subsequent years, NASCAR has gone all in on Pride month and also banned the Confederate flag at their races.
Michael Jordan flipped the entire NASCAR world on its head when the NBA legend became a team owner. Along with current NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, Jordan created the 23XI team. The Toyota-based team has had some early success. As Tyler Reddick has taken the #45 to victory lane already this season. However, this past Sunday, the team looked to have another great chance to visit victory lane. But a late incident cost Jordan’s #23 driver, Bubba Wallace, a victory at Talladega.
Talladega is known as one of the more intimidating tracks that NASCAR visits every season. The track is known for high speeds and vicious crashes. This past Sunday seemed to continue that legacy for the track. On the final lap, Wallace was leading the pack. But a hard-charging Ryan Blaney was attempting to make the final lap pass on his good friend Wallace. Wallace tried his hardest to block the faster Blaney from making the move, then it happened. The late block attempt by Wallace caused a fleet of cars to end up in the last lap carnage. Jordan was in attendance for the big race. But the team owner was less than thrilled with the outcome.
KYLE BUSCH WINS AT TALLADEGA AS CARS CRASH BEHIND HIM. The race ends under caution after Bubba Wallace goes around following contact from Ryan Blaney. https://t.co/Y7rYJKb3rSpic.twitter.com/zQ5bDxeQAg
A heartbreaking ending to a rather frustrating day for 23XI. Wallace was mere moments from earning his second win at Talladega. However, in the end, it was Kyle Busch that came out unscathed and victorious. Jordan was visibly upset with the finish of the race. But sometimes, these outcomes are inevitable. After the race, Wallace shared no ill will toward Blaney. Including taking the blame for the start of the incident. Wallace wasn’t the only 23XI driver involved in a crash on Sunday. Reddick had a bizarre crash when attempting to enter the pits early on in the race.
Sunday wasn’t the best ending for Jordan and his team. However, being one of the top cars in the final lap of Talladega is still an incredible performance by Wallace. Jordan’s arrival in NASCAR has changed the entire landscape of the sport. As Jordan’s fans have begun migrating over to following his team. In just a short time, Jordan has made his team one of the most financially stable teams in the sport. Does Michael Jordan’s involvement in NASCAR make you interested in watching the sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
If you are a child of the 90s or the early 2000s, you surely know who Frankie Muniz is. He was the main character in Malcolm In The Middle and he was even the title character in Agent Cody Banks. Overall, many fans have fond memories of watching Muniz’s work.
Now, Muniz is 37 years old and he has been immersing himself in the world of auto racing. Ever since he was a kid, he has had dreams of being a racecar driver. Subsequently, he has been gaining seat time in various different types of cars. Now, it looks like he is making a go of it in NASCAR.
Frankie Muniz poses at “Dancing with the Stars” Season 27 at CBS Televison City on October 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images)
According to a new Instagram post, Muniz announced that he will be taking his talents to the ARCA National Series. This is the fourth level of NASCAR that is mainly used to develop young talents. He may not be a Cup racer, but he is under the NASCAR umbrella, which is definitely exciting.
Frankie Muniz Speaks
“Finally making my dream a reality, this one is for my son and showing him that you can always chase your dreams,” Muniz said. “Excited for this opportunity with Rette Jones Racing, Ford, and our partners to go full-time racing for an ARCA National Series Championship in 2023.”
NASCAR racing at any level takes a lot of time and commitment, so it will not be an easy start for Muniz. However, he clearly has the drive (no pun intended) to make this a successful enterprise. If you are a motorsports fan, you can’t help but be interested in how he does.
Let us know what you think of Muniz’s latest profession change, in the comments down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from the sports world.
Last night NASCAR turned into WWF wrestling when Ty Gibbs and Sam Mayer came to blows. Gibbs lost the lead to Brandon Jones in the final corner and attempted a final drive off the corner when Sam Mayer ran into Gibbs from behind, moving him up the racetrack and creating a three-car jam for second place. Mayer then ended up driving Gibbs into the wall.
Gibbs expressed his displeasure by running into Mayer after the checkered flag, and things escalated once the two stopped on pit road. Gibbs quickly confronted Mayer, and the two exchanged words and shoves before Gibbs began punching and grabbing Mayer by the head. The two went down in a pile before being separated.
“I tried to talk to him, and he got all in my face. At that point, we’ve got to start fighting,” Gibbs told Fox Sports. “We got put in a bad position there. The only thing I’m mad about … He wasn’t going to get past the No. 16 there and I just got hit in the left rear. It’s just frustrating. I just got drove in the fence at the end.”
Mayer, who was left with a black eye and some bruising to his face, said his racing Gibbs hard on the final lap would have awarded $100,000 to Mayer had he passed Gibbs to be the highest-finishing Dash 4 Cash-qualified driver. Mayer criticized Gibbs for getting upset for being on the receiving end of getting moved out of the way despite his willingness to do the same to other drivers Gibbs previously moved John Hunter Nemechek for the win at Richmond, a point which Gibbs agreed.
During the melee an official was also placed on a stretcher and taken to an ambulance with unspecified injuries. Watch the video below
It’s not all that unusual to see Ice Cube at sporting events. After all, the man’s been famous since his early 20s when he was a member of NWA, and he even runs his own increasingly popular basketball league, The Big 3. But apparently, there are still some sporting events at which you wouldn’t expect to catch the internationally recognized rapper, as seen by the reaction to not only appearing at a Nascar race this past Sunday but performing there as well.
Cube was apparently commissioned for the halftime show at the Busch Light Clash at the LA Coliseum on Sunday (truthfully, I didn’t know car races even had halftimes, so I’m already shocked and confused by this story myself), where he performed hits from across his expansive catalog such as “Check Yoself,” “Friday,” and “You Know How We Do It.” Clearly, though, this wasn’t exactly the audience for an Ice Cube performance, as the audience’s reactions were decidedly mixed.
Online, though, there was as much amusement as bemusement (which actually mean wildly different things, go figure), with fans chiming in to either berate the Nascar audience for not appreciating a musical legend in their midst or demean Nascar for so baldly trying to expand its appeal — likely inspired by the upcoming Super Bowl’s halftime slate of Dr. Dre, Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, and Snoop Dogg.
Two things I realized today:
1. Out-there ideas are the ones that make the biggest impact. Kudos to everyone who had a hand in making the #BuschLightClash a reality.
This guy in his Viagra jacket hanging in the stands with his friends listening to Ice Cube and watching NASCAR is living his best life. We envy you pic.twitter.com/2edu85P6h0
It seems the Nascar audience is as reluctant to embrace hip-hop as the hip-hop audience is to embrace Nascar — or maybe, considering the popularity of the sport down South, they just need to tap some more Southern artists the next time around. Just saying, there’s probably a strong overlap between people who love cars and people who love Ludacris. Check out more responses below.
I’m not sorry to whoever doesn’t like this but you can’t tell me that NASCAR Halftime with Ice Cube performing inside the Los Angeles Memorial Colosseum isn’t dope af
There have been rumors about a lot of new Post Malone material coming this year, and finally, some of that is starting to materialize. Today, Posty announced that on Friday, July 9, he will be sharing a new video for “Motley Crew.”
He shared a brief snippet of the song’s video, which is directed by Cole Bennett of Lyrical Lemonade and was made in collaboration with NASCAR. Given the latter connection, naturally, the clip features Posty driving a car around a track, fully decked out in a racing jumpsuit and otherwise having a good time.
Aside from the upcoming visual, Malone has a few pre-existing connections to the NASCAR world. Back in 2018, he expressed an interest in playing PUBG: Battlegrounds with Bubba Wallace. Last year, Clint Boyer also told a story about his wife wanting to see Malone in concert, and when they went, he didn’t have an awesome time: “Posty showed up two hours late, he was drunk, played seven songs kind of, then left. Posty sucked [laughs]. […] I couldn’t figure it out. Anybody that can tattoo their face to that extent, drink beer on stage, show up two hours late, and leave after seven songs… he’s doing something right. And somehow, she was satisfied.”
(@SkyTrace29) 
