NASCAR Teams Fight Legal Battle as Open Teams

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have announced they will compete as 'open teams' in 2025 as their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR proceeds. NASCAR has removed the anticompetitive release clause that previously barred the teams from taking legal action, allowing them to race while the lawsuit continues. The teams, owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and entrepreneur Bob Jenkins respectively, initially refused revenue-sharing agreements proposed by NASCAR. They allege NASCAR maintains an unlawful monopoly over the top-tier stock car racing series in the U.S. Despite losing a preliminary injunction to compete as 'chartered' teams, which offer guaranteed spots and better revenue, the teams are appealing the decision in hopes of securing charter status. This legal battle underscores tensions over the competitive structure and revenue distribution in NASCAR.