In a significant legal development, U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell has granted a preliminary injunction in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, allowing them to compete as chartered teams in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.
Jeffrey Kessler, lead attorney for both teams, expressed approval of the court’s decision, stating:
“We welcome today’s decision by Judge Bell granting a preliminary injunction in our favor. The court’s ruling allows 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to race existing cars as chartered teams in next year’s Cup Series. The decision also requires NASCAR to approve both teams’ purchases of a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing and allow these cars to also race as chartered teams in the 2025 season.”
Kessler further emphasized the broader implications of the ruling:
“We are confident in the strength of our case and will continue to fight so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that benefit teams, drivers, sponsors and, most importantly, our fans.”
This legal victory is a pivotal moment in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, challenging the organization’s control over the sport’s revenue-sharing model and charter system.
The court’s decision not only permits 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to maintain their current charters but also mandates NASCAR’s approval of their acquisition of additional charters from Stewart-Haas Racing, facilitating their planned expansion for the upcoming season.
As the lawsuit progresses, this ruling underscores the judiciary’s recognition of the teams’ concerns regarding competitive fairness and the distribution of revenue within NASCAR. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the governance and economic structure of professional stock car racing.
