23XI Racing and FRM deliver a 'pleased' declaration as major breakthrough emerges in the fierce lawsuit saga

NASCAR teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports recently received a positive update on their ongoing legal dispute with NASCAR. The case, centered on accusations of monopolistic practices, has seen promising developments for the two teams, which have taken a bold stance against the governing body.

The antitrust lawsuit traces back to the eve of the 2024 playoffs when NASCAR imposed a deadline for teams to sign a new charter agreement. While most teams complied, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports stood their ground, refusing to sign what they viewed as an unfair contract. Their resistance started a contentious legal battle against NASCAR’s reported monopolistic practices.

NASCAR, however, filed for a motion to dismiss the antitrust lawsuit against them, and also a motion for bond. Recently, famed antitrust lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, representing both teams, released a joint statement reiterating Judge Bell's words.

He wrote on X:

"We are pleased with today's decision by Judge Bell to deny the Motions to Dismiss and Motion for Bond and look forward to presenting our case at trial."

Since both 23XI Racing and FRM were allowed to acquire their charter purchases from Stewart Haas Racing, the teams have now expanded. 23XI Racing signed Xfinity Series driver Riley Herbst as their third full-time driver this season, piloting their #35 Toyota Camry XSE full-time in 2025.

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“I don’t know how people can discredit me now” - Riley reflects on Cup move following his 23XI Racing deal

Former Stewart-Haas Racing driver Riley Herbst has advanced his NASCAR career by securing a deal with 23XI Racing to drive their third entry, the #35 Toyota Camry XSE. The move marks a significant milestone for the three-time Xfinity Series race winner, who expressed his thoughts on this career-defining moment.

23Xi's newest Cup Series driver confidently claimed that his full-time status solidifies his standing in the sport. He remarked (via SpeedFreaks on YouTube):

"A lot of people, I'm not going to say names but a lot of people will say that, 'X driver is the future of the sport,' and now I have the same number of wins as him. So I don't know how people can discredit me now," Riley Herbst said (0:52).

Meanwhile, Front Row Motorsports also signed Zane Smith for their Cup Series lineup in 2025. Smith will pilot the #38 Ford Mustang Darl Horse for FRM, alongside former SHR driver Noah Gragson.