Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Wins Key Court Ruling in NASCAR Antitrust Dispute

A federal judge grants 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports a preliminary injunction, securing their charter status for the 2025 NASCAR season.

Judge Kenneth Bell overturned a prior ruling, granting 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports the ability to compete as chartered teams in 2025, ensuring guaranteed race entries and financial stability.
The ruling prevents NASCAR from blocking the sale of two Stewart-Haas Racing charters to the teams, a critical step in their planned expansion to three-car operations.
The court acknowledged the 'irreparable harm' the teams would face without charters, including the potential loss of star drivers like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, as well as major sponsors such as Monster Energy and Love’s Travel Stops.
The antitrust lawsuit alleges NASCAR's monopolistic practices, including restrictions on competing in other racing series and exclusive vendor agreements, with the court noting NASCAR's dominant control over premier stock car racing in the U.S.
While the preliminary injunction is a significant victory for 23XI and FRM, NASCAR could still appeal the ruling, and the broader antitrust claims remain unresolved.