NASCAR issued a scathing response after 23XI Race And Front-line motor sports (FRM) filed a restraining order and preliminary injunction that would allow them to retain their charter status for the remainder of 2025.
The team co-owned by Michael Jordan And Dennis Hamlinwith their compatriot FRM from the Cup Series, sued NASCAR last October alleging anti-competitive and monopolistic practices after refusing to sign the new series charter agreement.
But above all, the teams were obtained an injunction ahead of the 2025 campaign which would allow them to compete as approved teams.
NASCAR appealed that decision, and last month a three-judge appeals panel sided with the series, cancel the injunction. This left 23XI and FRM facing the prospect of losing their charters, and the the tens of millions of dollars that accompany them.
As a result, the teams requested a full rehearing on the matter, but their appeal was rejected last weekmeaning both teams could be stripped of their charter ahead of this weekend’s action at Dover Motor Speedway.
However, in order to avoid this, another filing was made by 23XI and FRM, request a temporary restraining order and injunction this would prevent their charters from being canceled for the remainder of the season.
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NASCAR issues scathing statement 23XI and FRM
Now, in response to the teams’ latest lawsuit filing, NASCAR has released a somewhat scathing statement on the matter, calling the lawsuit “prejudicial” and “distracting.”
“It is unfortunate that instead of respecting the clear decisions of the Fourth Circuit, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are now imposing on the district court a third motion for another unnecessary and inappropriate preliminary injunction,” NASCAR said in a statement.
“As suggested by the Fourth Circuit and District Court, NASCAR has made several requests to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to submit a proposal to resolve this litigation. We have not yet received a proposal from 23XI or Front Row, as they have instead preferred to continue their damaging and distracting litigation.”
“We will defend the integrity of NASCAR against this baseless lawsuit imposed on the sport that threatens to divide stakeholders committed to serving racing fans around the world.
“We remain focused on working with the 13 racing teams who have signed the 2025 Charter Agreements and share our common goal of delivering the best racing in the world every week, including this weekend at Dover.”
If 23XI and FRM’s latest filing is denied, teams could race as open entries starting with this weekend’s race at Dover Motor Speedway, meaning they would no longer be guaranteed entry to all races, nor a portion of the event fund.
NASCAR was given until 5 p.m. ET Wednesday to legally respond to 23XI and FRM’s latest court filing.
The larger lawsuit is scheduled to be heard in court on December 1, 2025.
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