NASCAR teams opens lawsuit against Jim France and NASCAR
For years, NASCAR and charter owned teams have gone back-and-forth to hash out a new charter agreement. 36 charters are spread across teams, adding value to their operations.
For the charter holders, they receive a guaranteed starting positions in every race. They also share a larger portion of the revenue than non-charter teams.
In September, just ahead of the 2024 playoffs, NASCAR was done arguing. They allegedly told teams to sign the agreement or they would take the charters away.
13 of the 15 NASCAR Cup Series teams signed the new charter agreement. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were the only two teams to hold out.
NASCAR teams sign new charter agreement; 23XI Racing excluded
Lawsuit opened against NASCAR
Now, a joint lawsuit has been opened by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR.
The lawsuit alleges NASCAR as well as CEO Jim France used “anti-competitive and exclusionary practices” while “enriching themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams.”
Jeffrey Kessler has been hired as the antitrust lawyer for the teams. He noted he plans to file for q preliminary injunction to allow both teams to compete in 2025 as the court case runs it’s course..
“There is no other major sport where one family has run that sport as its own personal fee stub and piggy bank the way that NASCAR has been run,” Kessler said.
“We will see what impact that has in terms of how they try to defend themselves. We will see what impact that has in terms of whether it’s possible to settle this case or whether we have to take it all the way through trial — either way, we’re prepared to do what’s necessary to effectuate change.”
Joint statement from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports
“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning,” the statement opened.
“Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love. Together, we brought this antitrust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors and most importantly, fans.”
NASCAR teams comment on ultimatum to sign charter agreement
Statement from FRM owner Bob Jenkins
“I have been a part of this racing community for 20 years and couldn’t be more proud of the Front Row Motorsports team and our success,” Bob Jenkins opened.
“But the time has come for a change. We need a more competitive and fair system where teams, drivers and sponsors can be rewarded for our collective investment by building long-term enterprise value, just like every other successful profession sports league.”
Rick Hendrick comments on 23XI Racing not signing agreement
NASCAR accused of threatening to revoke charters for agreement
