Kaulig Racing NASCAR lawsuit outcome has received varied reactions, with CEO Chris Rice urging the motorsports community to move forward following NASCAR’s settlement with teams like 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports last week. The dispute, which highlighted a push for a different business model, concluded with changes that fall short of other major sports leagues but still increase charter value for NASCAR teams.
Chris Rice Expresses Satisfaction and Calls for Progress
Chris Rice, CEO of Kaulig Racing, discussed the effects of the landmark settlement during an interview with Kenny Wallace. Rice emphasized that, despite previous tensions, the resolution is widely accepted among those involved, including Michael Jordan and Jim France, and that lingering over the issue does not serve the sport. Rice stated,
“Whether we want to say Michael was winning by a landslide or NASCAR was losing by a landslide, we don’t care. I don’t care as a company. I don’t care as Chris Rice. What I care about is we got to a place that Michael’s happy, Jim France is happy, Ben Kennedy’s happy, Lisa’s happy, everybody’s happy with the decision that is made. Let’s move on. Let’s make it good for everybody that is involved.”
He further noted the passing nature of controversies like this, noting they are quickly overshadowed by new events in the competitive world of NASCAR. As Rice commented,
“I think in the next 15 days or whatever, it’ll be over and in 40 days, this will be forgotten about. Some reporter will write Michael Jordan slam dunked on NASCAR, something like that, but I don’t even look at that. It doesn’t matter,” he added.
How the NASCAR Settlement Differs From Other Major Leagues
While the settlement created ‘evergreen’ charters for NASCAR teams—a key point in the recent Kaulig Racing NASCAR lawsuit outcome—these agreements do not mirror the franchise models of the NBA, NFL, or MLB. Those leagues allow teams to share equity in the league itself, a practice NASCAR has not adopted. Despite this, Kaulig Racing and similar teams are likely to see increased valuation because of the more secure and permanent nature of these new charters.
Michael Jordan’s Vision for NASCAR Reforms
After the court decision, Michael Jordan shared a statement explaining that his main goal was to foster progress within NASCAR. Jordan, with his NBA background, sought a business structure that would allow team owners to build equity and carry more influence over NASCAR’s direction. This resulted in one major change: NASCAR introduced a five-strike rule, giving teams the power to oppose new directives from the league in certain circumstances.
Veteran Driver’s Perspective on the Legal Battle
Hall of Fame racer Steve Spencer, known for his contributions at Fairgrounds Speedway in Juliet, shared his insight into the high-profile lawsuit. Reflecting on Michael Jordan’s unique position to contest and win against NASCAR, Spencer said,
“It was confusing. Nobody had ever challenged NASCAR and won, but Michael Jordan had the money and the clout to do it. Now, whether that’s good or bad, I can’t say.” — Steve Spencer, Hall of Fame Driver
Spencer also commented on the significant role money now plays in shaping NASCAR’s landscape, echoing concerns shared by others in the racing community.
Team Owners Respond to the Settlement’s Fallout
Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing co-owner, played a vocal part following the settlement. He directly addressed Larry MacReynolds’ past criticism, demanding an apology and standing firm despite MacReynolds’ SiriusXM co-host Brad Gillie stepping in for support. This lively debate reflects the emotional turmoil and intensity still surfacing among NASCAR’s key figures as they process the recent changes.
The outcome of the Kaulig Racing NASCAR lawsuit underscores shifting dynamics within the sport, influenced by prominent individuals such as Michael Jordan, Chris Rice, and longtime drivers and owners. With new policies in place and a call to move beyond past disputes, teams now look ahead to an era framed by evolving business models and heightened accountability. As Rice and others suggest, what feels deeply significant today in NASCAR may soon fade into memory, with the focus quickly turning to the next race and further developments across the series.
The #NASCAR lawsuit is over
Time to move forward @C_Rice1 tells @Kenny_Wallace pic.twitter.com/yq08nc7wyt
— The Kenny Wallace Show (@KWallaceShow) December 16, 2025
