"New info to be stricken": Bob Pockrass makes NASCAR’s intentions clear amid fresh allegations by 23XI and FRM

The ongoing antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR and two of its teams has taken an unexpected turn. Renowned FOX journalist Bob Pockrass reported the news in one of his recent posts on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Let’s look at the latest developments in the suit first. Last Wednesday, Judge Kenneth Bell took over the case from Judge Frank Whitney, who had issued the preliminary injunction. However, the Federal Court in Charlotte did not provide a reason for the change.

Over the last few days, the concerned teams, i.e., 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, notified Judge Bell that they were soon approaching the deadline for the transfer of Stewart-Haas Racing charters that each team wishes to purchase from the championship-winning organization.

However, NASCAR said that whatever the teams had indicated in their new filing should have been included in the original motion submitted to Judge Whitney. On that note, Pockrass tweeted,

“NASCAR says b/c 23XI/FRM reply filed yesterday incl new allegations that should have been in original motion that they should get to respond again or new info to be stricken. NASCAR says teams indicate the new info filed is appropriate for things said in NASCAR response.”

NASCAR demands that the teams drop the lawsuit to make the long-awaited purchase happen. If 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports fail to get their hands on the SHR charters and that too, in time, it could affect their upcoming season. Most importantly, they could even lose drivers and sponsors as open Cup Series teams.

As of now, the teams are preparing to file a response to NASCAR’s claims on Monday, December 16. However, Judge Bell has not set a date for the hearing yet.

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NASCAR team owner issues a cryptic response to Bob Pockrass’ tweet

Denny Hamlin, owner of 23XI Racing alongside former NBA star Michael Jordan, left a comment on Bob Pockrass' post about the latest update on the lawsuit. According to him, it was a “well-hidden” tweet.

He commented,

“Well hidden tweet.”

One might wonder what the NASCAR bigwigs are hiding. NASCAR argued that the teams were allegedly trying to involve the drivers in the battle and pose irreparable harm through emails. 23XI President Steve Lauletta, however, denied the allegation.

Hamlin drives the No. 11 Toyota Camry full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing, a North Carolina-based outfit. Due to the fact that JGR has already signed the newest charter agreement, his ride is confirmed.

But the team Hamlin owns, fields 2021 Yellawood 500 winner Bubba Wallace and last season’s finalist Tyler Reddick, whose seats remain at risk. Furthermore, the team is expected to add former SHR driver Riley Herbst to its roster.

Not to mention, NASCAR will have 32 chartered teams in 2025, which means, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will have eight open spots to compete in each race.