NASCAR insider explains 23XI and FRM’s limited options for charters amid lawsuit developments

NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass spoke about the charter situation for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Pockrass said that unless NASCAR reconsiders offering the two teams a charter deal, they would have to win an injunction to become charter teams.

For the uninitiated, 23XI Racing and FRM didn't sign the multi-extension charter agreement and filed a lawsuit against NASCAR for alleged monopolistic practices. The lawsuit is still ongoing, leaving the two teams without a charter for next year.

In an X (formerly Twitter) post by Bob Pockrass, the veteran NASCAR reporter answered a fan question asking whether 23XI and FRM would be forced to sign new charter agreements if the organization wins the lawsuit.

"NASCAR says charter agreement is off the table for 23XI and Front Row. So only ways, unless NASCAR changes its mind and re-offers their two charters, for them to be charter teams would be for teams to win injunction or teams sign charter agreements for transferred charters," Pockrass wrote.

Another fan asked about the situation of the two Stewart-Haas Racing charters, which are on hold due to the ongoing lawsuit. Pockrass said that the charters could possibly be lent to another team for a year, depending on the court's ruling.

"The two SHR charters are still TBD. The teams asked in their preliminary injunction motion for at the minimum that those charter sales to go through to them while the lawsuit continues. If the judge doesn't grant that request, TBD. Lease to another team for a year? Don't know."

Without a charter, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports would run as open teams for next year. The teams would compete without guaranteed entries into the 36-race schedule and miss out on huge payouts.

23XI, co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin, will field Tyler Reddick (45) and Bubba Wallace (23). The team also signed Riley Herbst (35) to drive its new third car.

Meanwhile, FRM will field Todd Gilliland (34) and Noah Gragson. The team also acquired a charter from SHR, with Zane Smith reportedly a favorite to secure the seat.

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23XI Racing could skip NASCAR Clash

Since 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have not secured a charter yet amid the lawsuit, the teams could run as open teams. As such, the teams won't be required to participate in the Clash at the Bowman Gray Stadium.

The Clash is a non-points-paying race set before the season-opener at the Daytona International Speedway. It can help the teams set up their cars in preparation for the season.

Speaking with Bob Pockrass, 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin was unsure whether his team would race in the Clash next year.

“I don't know. I think a lot of dominoes need to fall, sponsorships, things like that. So, I don’t know if that decision’s been rock solid made yet, but things are so fluid. Over the next few weeks, we’ll probably know more," Hamlin said.

"The Clash is always a good rep. It’s certainly one where, even though you don’t have pressure there, it’s good for the teams to work some kinks out. So yes, but also, you’re probably going to go there and tear a lot of stuff. So, I don’t know. We’ll see," he added.

The NASCAR Clash at Bowman Gray is scheduled for February 2 next year. Meanwhile, the Daytona 500 season-opener is happening on February 16.