The legal battle between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) gets hotter with a sharp new filing from the two teams. The document, shared by FOX’s Bob Pockrass, further criticizes NASCAR’s legal approach to the ongoing battle over charter agreements and control of the sport.
The opening line of the filing gives you a clue as to how contentious it is: “When a litigant does not have either the law or the facts on its side, it will pound the table. But Defendants’ pounding has become tired, familiar, and shrill.” This is a pointed statement to what 23XI and FRM have been frustrated with when it comes to NASCAR tactics.
The filing argues against NASCAR’s bid to delay transferring Stewart-Haas Racing’s (SHR) charters to 23XI and FRM. It’s also a major component of the teams’ 2025 expansion plan – which is itself the subject of the legal battle.
Related: 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’s Fight to Stay on the NASCAR Grid in 2025
Legal Developments So Far
This Monday, Judge Kenneth Bell rejected NASCAR’s request to block the charter transfer. This ruling allows the teams to go forward with their strategies and is the first victory for the teams in the case.
A statement from the teams’ legal counsel emphasized the importance of this ruling:
“We welcomed today’s decision by Judge Bell to deny NASCAR’s motion to stay, which will allow 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to compete as chartered teams in the season and enable Front Row Motorsports to complete their purchase of a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing.”
23XI Racing team co-owner with basketball legend Micheal Jordan, NASCAR Cup Series race winner Denny Hamlin, also weighed in with his satisfaction with the recent verdict on social media:
NASCAR, however, said it would appeal the decision, prolonging the legal fight all the way through 2025.
A Long Legal Road Ahead for 23XI Racing and FRM
Some key dates in the lawsuit are:
- January 8, 2025: Hearing on NASCAR’s motion to dismiss and other motions.
- September 19, 2025: Deadline for discovery.
- December 1, 2025: The trial could start as soon as the NASCAR season in 2025 is over.
If the case reaches trial, the court has ordered that proceedings be completed before the 2026 NASCAR season begins.
As a reminder, the lawsuit alleges that NASCAR’s rules are unfair, limiting team independence and earnings, which is harmful to competition and team, sponsor, and fan alike, 23XI Racing and FRM say.
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