Who is Judge Bell likely to side with in the 23XI, FRM and NASCAR dispute? Exploring the key details as rivals brace for the crucial day

Federal judge Kenneth D. Bell will deliver a significant verdict in the ongoing NASCAR versus 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports' Charter tussle on Monday. The judgment is expected to define the status quo in the months-long disagreements between the two parties until the end of the 2025 Cup Series season.

It all started when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport declined to sign the charter agreement with NASCAR in September. They were the only two teams in a 15-team field to not sign the new deal. Weeks after their disagreement, they filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the governing body.

23XI Racing is co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, while Front Row Motorsports is owned by Bob Jenkins. The two teams, along with attorney Jeffrey Kessler, filed the lawsuit against NASCAR citing unfair practices. This came after two years of negotiation, during which both parties discussed the economics and sporting regulations within the division.

Since the two teams did not sign the charter deal, their future in the competition faces jeopardy. However, Judge Kenneth Bell's recent verdict went in favor of 23XI and FRM as they won an injunction to secure their future in the competition, at least for 2025.

However, this did not come easy, as their injunction petition was first declined by Judge Frank D. Whitney. Following this, Kenneth Bell, who succeeded Frank Whitney, declared a verdict in favor of the teams. As per the judgment, NASCAR needs to allow them to compete in the 2025 Cup Series season.

Along with this, NASCAR also needed to acknowledge the transfer of charters from Stewart-Haas Racing to 23XI and FRM. However, the two teams are yet to find a way to finance their third charters even if the injunction is guaranteed.

A day after Bell's verdict, NASCAR filed a petition the very next day. As things stand, the judge will give his verdict on the matter on Monday.

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What can be the outcomes of NASCAR verdict on Monday?

As Judge Kenneth D. Bell of the Western District of North Carolina is set to declare his verdict in the injunction hearing related to the ongoing charter dispute between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsport, there could be some key decisions.

NASCAR in its petition asked that Judge Bell's ruling be delayed. If on Monday the judge decides to stay the ruling and delay the proceedings, it will wait for the Fourth Circuit of Appeals' decision on the matter.

NASCAR President Steve Phelps speaks during the NASCAR Awards Banquet - Source: Imagn

If the judge declines the petition, the verdict from last week will stay in place, and NASCAR will need to recognize 23XI and Front Row Motorsports' entry into the competition and their third charters from SHR.

It will be interesting to see how things move once Judge Kenneth D. Bell's verdict is out on Monday.