In an effort to secure their NASCAR futures, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have filed for a preliminary injunction to keep their race cards through the 2025 season pending ongoing litigation. If the request is denied, the team will be forced to compete as an “open” team and risk significant financial loss by missing scheduled races, particularly the prestigious Daytona 500.
The background to this legal battle is a 43-page lawsuit accusing NASCAR of violating the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890. This incident highlights the organization’s monopolistic tendencies. Currently, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports each have two full-time Cup cars, but have ambitions to expand to three cars by 2025. Sports attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who is leading the antitrust case, said of the legal battle with the organization:
“We have a monopoly on NASCAR here,” he admitted. “It should come as no surprise to NASCAR fans that there is no alternative to NASCAR, not just in this country, but frankly, anywhere in the world. “Because he controlled all the racetracks in the country, he illegally took the monopoly. “Because there won’t be any teams left to compete for another race track.”According to Motorsport.com, both teams are conducting urgent searches and want immediate access to documents from NASCAR executives, including CEO Jim France and other key figures such as Lesa France Kennedy, Ben Kennedy and Steve O’Donnell. The next preliminary sentencing hearing is very important and is scheduled for Wednesday, October 16. The team’s request focuses on several specific documents that shed light on NASCAR’s decisions, particularly the mandatory disclosure provisions in the controversial 2025 charter agreement.
They are particularly interested in uncovering details about NASCAR’s decision to end negotiations with the team’s bargaining committee and its take-it-or-leave-it offers that highlight restrictive practices. They are also seeking agreements with independent racetracks, the International Speedway Corporation and the Auto Racing Club of America, as well as charters that would limit the teams’ ability to compete and use parts. Both teams announced their commitments to the 2025 Cup Series season in statements released Wednesday.“23XI and the Front Row Motorsports team are fully prepared to compete in the Cup Series next year. “Today’s filings are the next step in advancing our case against NASCAR and their monopolistic practices, while protecting drivers, race teams and sponsors by establishing their legal right to drive in 2025.”
