The court has ruled against the teams in the preliminary injunction hearing
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports opened an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. That trial is set to begin in December.
NASCAR lawsuit opened by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports
Ahead of the trial, Judge Bell has denied 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports charter status for the remainder of the 2025 season.
The teams initially had their charter status taken away. The teams won a preliminary injunction, giving them their charter status back. NASCAR appealed the ruling and won.
NASCAR wins court appeal to claim charters from 23XI / FRM
Now, the judge has issued a ruling that the teams will not race as chartered teams for the 2025 season. Part of the reason is that NASCAR has stated they will leave 6 charters available.
NASCAR initially released 36 charters. They held onto 4 unreleased charters, which they stated were being saved for a possible new manufacturer in the future.
While the antitrust lawsuit continues, a ruling could see all six charters returned to the teams.
Judge Bell ruling
“With trial in this matter now less than three months away and the season on its proverbial last laps, NASCAR has agreed to extend those representations, in material effect,” Judge Bell stated.
“Therefore, as explained below and consistent with its earlier Order, the Court will deny Plaintiffs’ Motion for Preliminary Injunction based on the absence of irreparable harm. This will effectively maintain the status quo pending a final decision on the merits and any permanent injunctive relief following trial.”
Brad Keselowski says the NASCAR lawsuit is a threat to the sport
Jeffrey Kessler comments
The attorney for both teams issued the following statement:
“We are grateful that Judge Bell has made clear that the status quo is being maintained – protecting my clients’ rights to regain their charters if they prevail at trial and ensuring their ability to continue racing through the 2025 season based on NASCAR’s commitments.”
“Equally important, Judge Bell reaffirmed his broad power to order meaningful changes in NASCAR should we succeed, so that teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans can benefit from a sport positioned for long-term growth and restored competition.”
He concluded, “We are ready to present our case at trial in December.”
NASCAR comments
“We welcome the court’s decision, which brings much-needed clarity to the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR season,” NASCAR stated after the ruling
“For nearly 80 years, NASCAR and the France family have championed a bold vision by taking many personal and financial risks to build a sport that fuels livelihoods, inspires generations, and delivers world-class competition. That commitment remains unwavering, and we will continue to defend the integrity of NASCAR and preserve the values that have guided its growth.”
“To the fans: We won’t let this lawsuit distract from what matters most — delivering the unforgettable moments you’ve come to expect from our great sport and crowning the next NASCAR Cup Series champion on November 2.”
The NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are currently underway. 23XI Racing has two cars in the playoff battle.
