Overview

• 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, accusing the organization of monopolistic practices through its charter system.
• The lawsuit centers on NASCAR allegedly rescinding charter approvals for the teams unless they drop their legal claims, which both teams have refused to do.
• A new judge, Kenneth D. Bell, has been assigned to the case, replacing Judge Frank D. Whitney, whose prior rulings were seen as favoring NASCAR.
• The teams argue that competing as 'open teams' without charters would cause irreparable harm, while NASCAR maintains that any damages would be purely financial and recoverable.
• NASCAR President Steve Phelps has defended the charter system as essential for the sport’s sustainability, while 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports seek structural changes to improve competitive equity.