“NASCAR bribed the judge”: Fans react as Jim France and Co. taste victory in battle against 23XI Racing and FRM

The NASCAR fanbase has opined on the federal court's ruling against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The teams sued NASCAR and CEO Jim France for their involvement in monopolistic practices and requested to run as chartered teams in 2025 until the matter concludes. But District Judge Frank D. Whitney denied the preliminary injunction, ruling in favor of the defendants.

The charter fiasco ignited before the playoff began at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The teams were asked to approve the proposal by midnight of September 6. The fallouts were at risk of losing their existing charters. Still, Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Bob Jenkins refused to stamp their approval and sued the sport instead.

After dragging them to court, 23XI Racing and FRM, through their counsel Jeffrey Kessler, requested an injunction to let them race as chartered teams in 2025. They wanted to avoid the severe monetary loss that could stem from the potential exit of sponsors as the guarantee of an entry in every points-paying race would cease to exist without a charter.

Moreover, the lawyer outlined that a cut from the chartered teams' prize purse is necessary for 23XI and FRM to pay for smooth functioning. However, the court ruled that the plaintiffs failed to fulfill the requirements for a preliminary injunction and denied their motion.

It's worth mentioning that the floor is still open for 23XI Racing and FRM to file a renewed motion for the said injunction order. Bob Pockrass shared about the lawsuit update, writing:

"Judge denied preliminary injunction for 23XI/FRM to run as chartered teams/pursue lawsuit. 'At this time, Plaintiffs have not met their burden as required for a preliminary injunction. Should circumstances change, Plaintiffs may file a renewed motion for preliminary injunction,'" Pockrass Tweeted.

The insider's update quickly gained traction and the fanbase opined on the federal court's decision.

"NASCAR bribed the judge," a fan commented.

"How much is NASCAR paying this judge," one fan wrote.

"Yikes. What a nightmare," a fan reacted.

One fan showed their support for 23XI Racing as they lashed an f-bomb at NASCAR.

"F**k @Nascar Standing with @23XIRacing," the fan commented.

"I fail to understand how they didn't meet the burden when the open team agreement would require them to drop the lawsuit. Appeal is coming!" a fan wrote.

23XI might lose Tyler Reddick if the charter drama goes out of hand.

"We are disappointed": 23XI Racing and FRM's attorney Jeffrey Kessler reveals his plan to appeal federal court's verdict

23XI Racing and FRM members went to the federal court on Monday, November 4, to justify the need for a preliminary injunction. While NASCAR's lawyer Chris Yates argued that the plaintiffs just wanted to extract money from the sport's funds, Kessler charged back at Yates, highlighting that teams are bound to release their lawsuit claims if they wish to run as open Cup Series teams next year.

Kessler further pointed out that 23XI Racing and FRM would lose goodwill, which cannot be quantified and can lead to irreversible harm. After noting all the arguments presented, the District Judge ordered the verdict be passed on Friday.

On Friday (November 8), the court refused the plaintiffs' plea. As a result, Kessler appealed the 'disappointing' decision. He said via 23XI and FRM's joint release-

“We are pleased with the court’s decision to expedite discovery and fast-track the schedule in our case against NASCAR. Although we are disappointed that the preliminary injunction was denied without prejudice and as premature, which we intend to appeal, this denial has no bearing on the merits of our case. My clients will move forward to race in 2025 and continue to fight for a more fair and equitable system in NASCAR that complies with antitrust law,” Kessler said.

Can 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports win the fierce lawsuit against NASCAR? What do you think?