FRM and 23XI: From Near Sale to Strategic Alliance? Rumors Swirl Amid Lawsuit and Potential OEM Shakeup

In the ever-shifting landscape of NASCAR’s team alliances and manufacturer battles, a compelling storyline is quietly taking shape between Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and 23XI Racing — two teams that, on paper, couldn’t seem more different, yet find themselves increasingly connected in ways that go well beyond pit strategy.

It wasn’t long ago that whispers circulated throughout the garage that 23XI Racing, the Toyota-backed team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, was on the verge of acquiring FRM. The deal reportedly came close to materializing, but ultimately fell through. Still, that flirtation may have laid the groundwork for a deeper relationship — and recent developments suggest those ties are only getting stronger.

Now, with both teams embroiled in a joint lawsuit — the specifics of which remain under tight wraps — there’s renewed speculation that FRM and 23XI are quietly aligning behind the scenes. Legal action rarely brings teams together, but in this case, it’s yet another indicator of shared interests that extend beyond the track.

Adding fuel to the fire: last year’s reports that 23XI had been in discussions with Ford, NASCAR’s blue oval heavyweight and current partner of FRM. While 23XI remains aligned with Toyota for now, talks with Ford hint at an openness to shift manufacturer support — especially as rumors of two new OEMs entering the sport continue to circulate.

With the expected arrival of new automakers potentially reshaping the sport’s competitive landscape, both FRM and 23XI could be positioning themselves for a strategic realignment. For FRM, a team long considered a mid-tier outfit with flashes of brilliance, jumping to Toyota could mean a major performance bump. For 23XI, partnering more closely with FRM — or absorbing key assets — could offer expansion opportunities and fresh leverage in manufacturer negotiations.

And let’s not forget the most critical factor: the charter market. If 23XI wants to expand to a third car full-time, it needs a charter. FRM owns three, and while only running two full-time cars today, its third could be the key that unlocks future growth for Jordan and Hamlin’s team — especially with talented drivers waiting in the wings.

At this point, the connections between FRM and 23XI are too numerous to ignore: a near-acquisition, legal collaboration, OEM cross-talk, and the potential reshuffling of charters in a time of manufacturer movement.

As NASCAR enters a potentially transformative era, one thing is clear — FRM and 23XI aren’t just talking. They might be quietly preparing to reshape their futures together.

Stay tuned. This could be the biggest team maneuver since Trackhouse’s stunning acquisition of Chip Ganassi Racing.

More to Watch:

Will 23XI jump ship to Ford or wait for a new OEM? Could FRM sell one of its charters — or even merge? How does this affect driver lineups in 2025 and beyond?

Let the Silly Season begin.