Overview

• 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports disclosed June 2022 texts between NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell and executive Ben Kennedy in a court filing.
• O’Donnell’s messages predicted a worst-case exodus of “30 of 36 drivers” and included personal remarks about 23XI co-owner Curtis Polk, saying “It is personal now.”
• The teams filed a forceful opposition to NASCAR’s summary-judgment bid, arguing disputed facts must be decided by a jury at the December 1, 2025 trial.
• Judge Kenneth Bell has warned that taking the case to verdict could leave sponsors, drivers, and broadcasters unsure what the 2026 season will look like.
• Thirteen teams signed NASCAR’s revised charter last year, and many in the garage favor settlement, with Joe Gibbs urging a resolution in an open letter.