Federal judge denies motion to recognize NASCAR teams as chartered organizations for next season

AP Auto Racing Writer

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — A federal judge has denied a motion by two NASCAR teams — one owned by Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan — to be recognized as chartered teams as they proceed in an antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series and chairman Jim France. The motion was denied by a North Carolina judge at the exact same time NASCAR executives were giving their annual “State of the Sport” address at Phoenix Raceway. The decision came down just hours before Cup Series cars hit the track for the first practice session of championship weekend.