Judge Denies 23XI Racing And Front Row Motorsports Injunction To Race As Chartered Teams This Year As NASCAR Antitrust Lawuit Continues
A federal judge in Charlotte, N.C,. has denied a preliminary injunction filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to allow them to race as chartered teams for the remainder of the NASCAR Cup Series season.
The teams refused to sign the latest charter agreement offered to the teams last year and are pursuing an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. Their six combined cars are currently competing as open entries, which does not entitle them to a share of revenue earned by the series, only their race winnings, based on results.
The presiding judge said the injunction wasn’t necessary as NASCAR has pledged not to sell or reassign the charters to other teams until there is a verdict in the trial, which is scheduled to begin after the season on Dec. 1.
“For nearly 80 years, NASCAR and the France family have championed a bold vision by taking many personal and financial risks to build a sport that fuels livelihoods, inspires generations, and delivers world-class competition,” NASCAR said. “That commitment remains unwavering, and we will continue to defend the integrity of NASCAR and preserve the values that have guided its growth.”
“To the fans: We won’t let this lawsuit distract from what matters most — delivering the unforgettable moments you’ve come to expect from our great sport and crowning the next NASCAR Cup Series champion on November 2.”
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23XI Racing is co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Two of its drivers, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs, as did Hamlin himself driving for the Joe Gibbs Racing team.