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10h ago

NASCAR Pledges Charter Freeze for 2025 as Judge Weighs Injunction in Antitrust Fight

A ruling on temporary relief is expected next week.

Nov 9, 2024; Avondale, Arizona, USA; 23XI Racing team owner Michael Jordan during qualifying for the Cup Series championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images/File Photo
Michael Jordan is a co-owner of 23XI Racing with Denny Hamlin and Curtis Polk. Image: Getty Images
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Overview

  • After a heated hearing, NASCAR told the court it will not issue, sell, convey, or lease any additional charters for the 2025 season and will cap 2026 additions at four.
  • 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports seek a preliminary injunction to restore chartered status and payouts through the Dec. 1 trial, with Judge Kenneth Bell set to decide next week.
  • Discovery disclosures put expletive-laden texts and emails from Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, 23XI executives, and NASCAR leaders on the record, highlighting deep tensions over negotiations.
  • The teams are competing as open entries after an appeals court vacated an earlier injunction, and they argue that selling the disputed charters now would cause irreparable harm to their businesses.
  • NASCAR maintains the teams forfeited rights by refusing the extension and has countersued alleging cartel-like conduct, while the judge has urged both sides to consider settlement.