23XI, FRM Release Discovery Document Suggesting NASCAR Considered Acquiring Speedway Motorsports
August 28, 2025
The ongoing legal battle between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports (FRM), and NASCAR took another turn today after attorneys representing 23XI and FRM released a document obtained during discovery that appears to show NASCAR executives debating the possibility of acquiring Speedway Motorsports (SMI).
What the Document Suggests
According to the lawyers, the internal NASCAR communication outlines discussions on whether the sanctioning body should explore acquiring Speedway Motorsports — the company that owns and operates several premier racing venues, including Charlotte Motor Speedway, Bristol Motor Speedway, and Texas Motor Speedway.
The revelation, if accurate, could deepen scrutiny over NASCAR’s influence in the industry. NASCAR already controls the sanctioning of the Cup Series and operates International Speedway Corporation (ISC) tracks, and acquiring Speedway Motorsports would further consolidate control of both the sport’s governance and its venues.
Why It Matters
The document surfaces as part of the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI and FRM last fall, in which they accuse NASCAR of monopolistic practices through the charter system. NASCAR has denied wrongdoing and countersued, accusing the teams of acting as an “illegal cartel” to gain leverage in broadcast negotiations.
If the discovery document is admitted as evidence, it could raise new questions about whether NASCAR sought to eliminate competition at the track-ownership level — a potential flashpoint in the trial scheduled for December 2025.
Reactions
23XI & FRM’s legal team argue the document supports their claims that NASCAR operates with an “exclusionary vision” for the sport, prioritizing control over competition. NASCAR representatives have not yet commented on the release, though sources close to the sanctioning body suggest the discussion may have been exploratory and never advanced to formal planning. Industry insiders note that any NASCAR move to acquire Speedway Motorsports would have drawn significant antitrust attention, given SMI’s position as the only other major track operator in the Cup Series.
What’s Next
This disclosure adds fuel to an already high-stakes legal showdown that could reshape the business model of NASCAR. The trial’s outcome will determine not just the future of the charter system, but potentially how much influence NASCAR can legally exert over the sport’s tracks, teams, and revenue streams.
For now, the released document is another reminder that this fight is about more than charters — it’s about control of the sport itself.
Would you like me to make a second version written in a more dramatic, fan-facing style (like a breaking news blog post), or keep it in this legal/analytical tone?
