Trackhouse Racing Owner Weighs In Michael Jordan Stand

Trackhouse Racing team owner Justin Marks has weighed in on a contentious new charter deal set to reshape NASCAR from 2025 to 2031. This deal, introduced early in the 2024 season and presented to teams before the initial playoff race, has sparked a range of reactions from racing teams. 23XI Racing, co-owned by basketball legend Michael Jordan , and Front Row Motorsports have rejected this deal, citing a lack of fair negotiation opportunities as their main grievance.

In comparison, Trackhouse Racing opted to sign the agreement. Marks has admitted a deep respect for the dissenting teams as he explained on Kevin Harvick's "Happy Hour" podcast.

"I certainly admire their conviction; I certainly admire their willingness to stand up for what they're fighting for," Marks said. "What they believe in, I don't know where it goes; I don't know what comes out of it because we wake up and we're gonna prepare cars for the Daytona 500."

The charter agreement, which runs until 2031, promises to bring significant changes to NASCAR's operational framework. However, the reaction has been far from unanimous.

Most teams accepted the deal, but the decision by 23XI Racing and FRM to challenge it highlights ongoing tensions within the sport. Both teams seek a more equitable agreement, one that they believe better reflects the collaborative spirit required for the sport's growth.

Despite these divisions, Trackhouse Racing's decision to sign the deal stems from a focus on the present season and key events like the Daytona 500. Marks conveyed a pragmatic approach, choosing to prioritize immediate preparations over prolonged negotiations.

"NASCAR's got a lot of power, a lot of influence, and they definitely have come out way in things," he said. "But I still feel like the sport is in about a good spot now as it's probably ever been certainly in my lifetime, and with so much competition in the landscape for consumers and viewership, I think NASCAR is performing really well."

Indeed, NASCAR continues to be one of the most significant racing series globally, holding its ground against the rising popularity of other motorsport events like Formula 1. The choice to sign the charter proves Marks' belief in the sport's sustainable growth and ability to thrive amidst fierce competition for audience attention.