Barring any last-minute out-of-court settlement – which appears unlikely but could ultimately be the best conclusion for all sides instead of a lengthy and costly legal fight – one of the most contentious lawsuits in NASCAR history will begin Monday morning in downtown Charlotte, N.C.

The legal battle pits NASCAR vs. two of its teams: 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan , his longtime business partner Curtis Polk, and current NASCAR Cup star Denny Hamlin, as well as Front Row Motorsports, owned by Bob Jenkins.

At stake are a number of things, including the ultimate defining power and control of the sport by NASCAR and its owners, the France family, as well as significant amounts of money that could go to either the teams or the sanctioning body, team charters and values,

See Full Page