NASCAR lawsuit opened by Racing and Front Row Motorsports
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have opened an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and it’s CEO Jim France.
NASCAR lawsuit opened by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports
The two teams are claiming that NASCAR has developed a monopoly in stock car auto racing. Stating the France family “enriches” themselves through unchecked practices.
The charter agreement is at the forefront of the lawsuit. Teams were looking for a larger piece of the pie in terms of finances generated from TV revenue. They also wanted the charter system to be permanent among other asks.
After years of negotiations between NASCAR and their teams, the sanction drew a line in the sand at the start of the playoffs. NASCAR handed out their final amended charter agreement and told teams they had until midnight to sign.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were the only two teams that did not sign the new agreement which will begin in the 2025 season.
The two teams are filing a preliminary injunction which if approved will allow both teams to compete as charter teams in the 2025 season while pursuing antitrust litigation.
NASCAR teams sign new charter agreement; 23XI Racing excluded
Basis of monopoly claims
– Buying a majority of the premier racetracks that are exclusive to NASCAR races;
– Imposing exclusivity deals on NASCAR-sanctioned racetracks;
– Acquiring Automobile Racing Club of America (ARCA), the only notable stock car racing series competitor;
– Preventing teams from participating in any other stock car races, while also retaining ownership over Next Gen parts and cars; and
– Forcing teams to buy their parts from single-source suppliers chosen by NASCAR.
NASCAR teams don’t own Next Gen car parts according to lawsuit
Bob Jenkins comments
Bob Jenkins is the owner of Front Row Motorsports:
“I have been part of this racing community for 20 years and couldn’t be more proud of the Front Row Motorsports team and our success,” Jenkins opens.
“But the time has come for 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 professional sports league.”
NASCAR teams comment on ultimatum to sign charter agreement
Denny Hamlin comments
Hamlin is co-owner of 23XI Racing:
“It’s actually pretty simple in my opinion,” Hamlin opened.
“When I look around, I see that the best and most competitive sports in the world understand that when teams thrive, fans benefit, and that everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success. With the right changes, we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”
Michael Jordan comments
Jordan is co-owner of 23XI Racing:
“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” Jordan commented.
“I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”
Rick Hendrick comments on 23XI Racing not signing agreement
Curtis Polk comments
Polk is co-owner of 23XI Racing added:
“A true partnership, not dictatorship, is our goal,” Polk opened.
“For over two years, I have dedicated myself to championing a more fair and transparent system within NASCAR, where we recognize the importance of the France family and the sanctioning body, but do what is best for all stakeholders.”
“The charter that was forced on the teams with only hours’ notice does not accomplish these objectives. The new charter is an attempt to further marginalize the teams’ voices in the sport and consolidate control and the power in the hands of the France family for their sole benefit.”
“I hope our actions today lead to a future of collaboration for this great sport we love.”
