Charlotte, North Carolina (AP) A federal judge has scheduled a Jan. 8 hearing to hear NASCAR’s move to dismiss an antitrust case filed against the stock car series by Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
The two teams are suing NASCAR, and on Wednesday they were given a preliminary injunction, allowing them to race as chartered teams in 2025.
U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth D. Bell stated that “NASCAR fans (and members of the general public who may become fans) have an interest in watching all of the teams compete with their best drivers and most competitive teams.” NASCAR has stated that it will appeal his verdict and requests that his injunction be partially lifted until the appeal.
The hearing is the latest in the legal brawl between the two Cup Series teams and the sanctioning body that began late last season. Judge Bell is set to decide other motions, as well. He also set a Sept. 19, 2025, deadline for discovery to be completed and set a trial date of Dec. 1 — after the completion of next season.
23XI, owned by Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row refused to sign NASCAR’s take-it-or-leave-it charter renewal bids in September.
A charter is effectively a franchise that ensures prize money, a seat on the field each week, and other benefits. The teams filed a lawsuit arguing that NASCAR owners are “monopolistic bullies” and lost a quest to be recognized as “chartered” teams in November. The suit is still ongoing. 23XI and Front Row can now sign the charter agreements while still pursuing their lawsuit.
They were also given authority to purchase additional charters from Stewart Haas Racing, which is transitioning from four Cup cars to one, though NASCAR must approve the transfers to those teams.
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