“This is massive”: NASCAR veteran reacts as Michael Jordan owned 23XI Racing and FRM lawsuit register big win

NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace reacted to the recent ruling of the lawsuit involving the organization and teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The lawsuit was filed back in October when the teams sued NASCAR, saying that they had violated the U.S. antitrust law while imposing monopolistic bullying and "restrictive conditions on teams".(via Reuters)

The preliminary injunction request granted by District Judge Kenneth D. Bell will now allow the teams to run as chartered teams in 2025. Furthermore, NASCAR can no longer withhold approval of the teams’ purchase of two Stewart-Haas Racing charters.

Reacting to this, renowned journalist Bob Pockrass took to X and wrote:

“BREAKING: 23XI and Front Row Motorsports have obtained the preliminary injunction to race as chartered teams in 2025 as well as for approval of the SHR transfers.”

There’s just one exception. The ‘release’ clause under Section 10.3 of NASCAR’s newest charter deal will be rendered null and void. Notably, this clause usually safeguards NASCAR from lawsuits on antitrust grounds.

“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,” said Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI and FRM, in a statement (via On3).

Calling it a “big win” for 23XI Racing as well as Front Row Motorsports, Wallace reposted Pockrass’ tweet and wrote,

“This is massive and a big win for these two teams😳 this is the biggest legal / judgmental win FOR TEAMS in NASCAR history.”

Both 23XI and FRM will field three full-time chartered entries in the NASCAR Cup Series. Rookie driver Riley Herbst will take over the No. 35 23XI Racing Toyota whereas Zane Smith could pilot the third car for Front Row Motorsports. Smith, a 25-year-old California native, previously competed in the Craftsman Truck Series and select Cup Series races under the banner of Front Row Motorsports.

The ruling also stated that the trial has to be dissolved before the 2026 Cup Series season begins unless the concerned parties reach a settlement. NASCAR will most likely appeal the ruling and, if successful, tables could turn again.

23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin reacts to recent development in lawsuit against NASCAR

Denny Hamlin was overjoyed by how things turned out following Judge Bell’s ruling. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver tweeted:

“YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!”

Next, he posted a GIF clip from the final scene of the 2006 movie “The Pursuit of Happyness” where Chris Gardner, played by Will Smith, is seen clapping, overwhelmed with emotion, after finally making it as a broker.

During an interview ahead of the Championship race at Phoenix on November 10, Dustin Long of NBC Sports asked Hamlin how anxious he was feeling about the lawsuit, and how it compared to racing in NASCAR’s premier racing series. Hamlin revealed that he had never been to the court since he was 11 years old.

“I hadn’t been in a courtroom since I was maybe 11,” said Hamlin (via Road and Track). “I was riding my bike as a kid, and a car hit me; they ended up suing me. I know, they lost."

Denny Hamlin currently drives the No. 11 Toyota Camry full-time in the Cup Series. He closed 2024 with three wins, 12 top-5s, and 18 top-10s. Next season, he will pair with Chris Gayle, his new crew chief. The duo will debut at the 2025 Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 2. Fans can watch the race on FOX from 8 pm ET onwards.