Bob Pockrass shares latest update on the possibility of NASCAR’s appeal to the ruling of 23XI and FRM’s injunction win

Judge Kenneth Bell's ruling set NASCAR on the back foot after he decided in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport on Wednesday. Bell granted 23XI and FRM a preliminary injunction, allowing them to compete in 2025 as chartered teams. The ruling also dictates that NASCAR has to allow the two aforementioned teams to sign the charters from Stewart-Haas Racing.

However, NASCAR can appeal against the ruling in 30 days, but Bob Pockrass believes the governing body would start the process much earlier if it opts to appeal.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport were the only two teams that did not sign the new NASCAR charter agreements. Instead, they filed an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR and its ownership group, alleging unfair practices.

Since the two teams did not sign the new charter agreement, their future in NASCAR seemed doubtful. As a result, they pursued an injunction, which was initially denied by Judge Frank Whitney in November. This time, though, the two teams have prevailed.

On Wednesday, Kenneth Bell ruled in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport. Since the ruling went against NASCAR, it can appeal within 30 days. However, Pockrass of Fox Sports is of the opinion that the governing body may take action way before then. He wrote from his official X account:

"NASCAR has 30 days to appeal the ruling from yesterday, but I would think they would make that decision and start the process much earlier if it opts to do so."

23XI Racing obtained a charter from the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing and put Riley Herbst behind the wheel. Front Row Motorsport obtained a charter as well, but is yet to announce its third driver.

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23XI Racing welcomed injunction verdict against NASCAR

Following Judge Kenneth Bell's verdict in favor of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport, Jeffrey Kessler, the official attorney for the two teams, shared a statement, welcoming the verdict:

"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."

23XI Racing will field three cars in 2025 — the #45 for Tyler Reddick, the #23 for Bubba Wallace, and the #35 for Riley Herbst. Front Row Motorsport will also have three cars next season - Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson, as well as one driver who is yet to be announced.