Curtis Polk’s name may not appear on a race entry list, yet his influence reverberates across NASCAR’s most pivotal debates. Known as Michael Jordan’s longtime business partner, Polk has transitioned from shaping NBA contracts to reshaping the economics of stock car racing. As a co-owner and executive of 23XI Racing, his role blends business strategy with team growth, while his stance in a heated legal battle against NASCAR has pushed him firmly into the spotlight.
Key Highlights
Curtis Polk is a co-owner and key executive of 23XI Racing, partnered with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin.
Polk has managed Jordan’s business ventures since 1989, expanding into NASCAR with 23XI Racing’s launch in 2020.
Under Polk’s leadership, 23XI has scored multiple Cup Series wins despite being a relatively young team.
Polk is central to an antitrust lawsuit filed by teams against NASCAR regarding the charter system.
A humorous text exchange between Polk and Michael Jordan surfaced during court proceedings, offering levity in tense circumstances.
Curtis Polk’s Transition from Basketball to NASCAR
Polk’s influence in professional sports stretches back decades. As Michael Jordan’s trusted advisor and agent since 1989, he engineered record-breaking NBA contracts and established himself as a respected negotiator. When Jordan entered NASCAR ownership alongside Denny Hamlin in 2020, Polk’s business expertise became instrumental in guiding 23XI Racing.
Though new to motorsports, Polk approached the venture with a blend of financial insight and strategic foresight. His behind-the-scenes presence helped the team secure competitive drivers, key sponsorships, and quick success on the track. Within just a few seasons, 23XI Racing achieved multiple victories in the NASCAR Cup Series, proving the team could compete with long-established organizations.
Polk’s steady hand and ability to adapt his sports management acumen to motorsports allowed 23XI to grow into a significant presence faster than many expected.
The Legal Battle with NASCAR
Polk’s prominence grew beyond team operations when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in 2024. The case centered on the sport’s charter system, which governs team participation and revenue distribution. Teams argued that NASCAR held monopoly-like control, stifling growth and limiting financial fairness.
NASCAR’s countersuit placed Polk squarely at the center, accusing him of orchestrating a coordinated campaign to pressure the sanctioning body. The claims alleged Polk had led efforts to restrain trade, including threats of team boycotts and collective bargaining tactics. The accusations transformed Polk from a low-profile executive into a controversial public figure, drawing attention from fans, media, and stakeholders across the sport.
Yet, many within NASCAR defended Polk’s actions. Longtime team owner Richard Childress emphasized that Polk’s push reflected broader team frustration rather than individual overreach. His advocacy, they argued, was part of a necessary fight for equity in a system increasingly questioned by owners and drivers alike.
The Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk Text Exchange
While courtroom filings and legal arguments often dominate headlines, a rare moment of humor lightened the mood during one injunction hearing. A text exchange between Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk was revealed, showcasing the personal side of the legal struggle.
The messages, described by those present as witty and good-natured, included playful teasing about the stress of the lawsuit and jokes about NASCAR’s maneuvers. Although not fully disclosed to the public, the exchange demonstrated the close partnership between Jordan and Polk, even in moments of tension.
A humorous text exchange between Curtis Polk and Michael Jordan that NASCAR included today: pic.twitter.com/N6HEmu1DrF
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 28, 2025
The airing of these texts humanized both figures, showing that beyond legal jargon and corporate strategy were two longtime friends navigating challenges with humor. For fans, it was a glimpse into the personalities behind 23XI Racing’s bold stand against NASCAR.
Polk’s Place in NASCAR’s Future
The trajectory of Curtis Polk’s influence in NASCAR is still unfolding. His role at 23XI Racing ensures his continued presence in the sport’s competitive sphere, while his leadership in legal disputes signals his impact on the business landscape. As NASCAR evaluates its charter system and confronts pressures from teams seeking reform, Polk remains central to the conversation.
Beyond the legal arena, Polk’s reputation as Jordan’s trusted partner reinforces his standing as a bridge between sports industries. His adaptability has allowed him to navigate basketball’s financial landscape and transition into motorsports leadership, carrying lessons that benefit both his team and broader competition.
Whether celebrated or criticized, Polk has become a figure whose actions reflect larger battles shaping NASCAR’s future. His story highlights the interplay of business, sport, and personal resilience, emphasizing how off-track negotiations can influence the course of racing history.
News in Brief: Curtis Polk Michael Jordan’s Right-Hand Man
Curtis Polk, longtime business partner of Michael Jordan and co-owner of 23XI Racing, has emerged as a key figure in NASCAR. Polk guided 23XI’s rapid rise while taking center stage in a legal battle challenging NASCAR’s charter system. NASCAR’s countersuit accused him of leading coordinated pressure efforts, while many owners defended his stance. A humorous text exchange between Polk and Jordan, revealed in court, offered fans a lighter perspective.
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