NASCAR desires one thing from 23XI and FRM if the plaintiffs lose the case despite the recent charter victory

Given how the court’s ruling turned out last Wednesday, it is safe to say that 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports emerged victorious. Judge Kenneth Bell granted a preliminary injunction that will allow the teams to compete as chartered organizations in 2025 and will also facilitate the purchase of a pair of Stewart-Haas Racing charters.

23XI and FRM filed the ongoing antitrust lawsuit on October 2, when the teams felt that NASCAR had not given them any opportunity for a fair bargain, as far as the newest charter agreement was concerned. NASCAR’s actions allegedly violated antitrust laws, they further argued.

The teams are required to close any deals with Stewart-Haas Racing by today, i.e., December 20. But as per renowned journalist Bob Pockrass, NASCAR is currently demanding a ruling on its request to delay the enforcement of the injunction, and they want that ruling to happen tomorrow.

“NASCAR also is asking, b/c it's not requesting delay in enforcement of the injunction as far as guaranteeing a spot in every race for two cars from 23XI and FRM, for the teams to post a bond (specific amount redacted) to cover any payouts they might have to return if lose case,” Pockrass wrote in a recent post on X.

Founded in 2020, 23XI Racing is owned by former NBA star Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin. On the other hand, Front Row Motorsports opened its doors back in 2004 and has been solely owned by Bob Jenkins for the last 20 years. Both teams are expected to field three full-time cars in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series.

“We are confident in the strength of our case”- attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports pledges to keep fighting NASCAR

Following Judge Kenneth Bell’s ruling, Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, made a statement on X. He said that the teams welcomed Judge Bell’s decision which will now allow them to purchase a charter each from Stewart-Haas Racing and expand to three-car organizations.

“The court's ruling allows 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to race existing cars as chartered teams in next year's Cup Series,” Kessler explained. “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.”

NASCAR can appeal the ruling originally denied by Judge Frank D. Whitney in November. Needless to say, tables could turn if the current judge rules in favor of NASCAR’s appeal. But the plaintiffs aren’t ready to give up yet.

“We are confident in the strength of our case and will continue to fight so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that benefit teams, drivers, sponsors and, most importantly, our fans,” Kessler added.

Meanwhile, NASCAR is just over a month away from hosting its Cup Series season opener at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2. Fans can watch the race live on FOX or listen to radio updates on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio from 8 pm ET onwards.