The ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by NASCAR teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports saw a major shift following a recent ruling in U.S. District Court.
U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell rejected NASCAR’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit. The ruling allows the case to proceed toward trial, scheduled for Dec. 1, 2025. Bell declined NASCAR’s request to mandate the teams post a bond for earnings they receive in 2025 that might be repayable if the case resolves in NASCAR’s favor.
Judge Bell clarified that it remains unclear whether NASCAR violated antitrust laws, emphasizing that the issues require further discovery and jury deliberation. NASCAR contended that defining the market solely as Cup racing is overly narrow, arguing that its increased revenue sharing and 2025 charter agreements reflect competitive practices.
23XI and FRM assert that NASCAR’s actions, including limiting charters, violate antitrust regulations by stifling competition.
Bell indicated his intent to proceed swiftly with the trial, noting, “This case is going to be tried this year and deserves to be tried this year.”
In the meantime, Judge Bell issued two injunctions compelling NASCAR to allow 23XI and FRM to operate as three-charter organizations in 2025. This decision enforces the approval of charters purchased by both teams from Stewart-Haas Racing.
The denial of NASCAR’s motion to dismiss highlights the case’s complexity and the legal uncertainty surrounding antitrust issues in professional racing.
Judge Bell’s rulings suggest the court’s interest in a thorough examination of competitive practices within NASCAR, potentially setting a precedent for future disputes in the sport.
Share
