NASCAR Seeks Charter Sales Amid Antitrust Lawsuit by 23XI, Front Row

NASCAR is engaged in a federal antitrust lawsuit with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, teams owned by Michael Jordan and Bob Jenkins respectively, who seek permanent charters that would grant them financial and competitive advantages over open teams. NASCAR argues that the teams’ demand for permanent charters is unprecedented and that neither team has been harmed by competing as open entries, emphasizing that there are multiple interested buyers for the six charters in question and that these could be allocated to new entrants to invigorate the sport. The dispute has involved multiple legal maneuvers, including temporary injunctions granted and later overturned, with a key hearing scheduled for August 28 and a trial set for December 1. NASCAR has raised concerns that ongoing litigation delays could hinder preparations for the 2026 season, as interested parties require sufficient time to organize before the Daytona 500. Additionally, NASCAR highlights that chartered teams recently received a significant payout increase and asserts that the sport allows teams to compete in other series, countering claims of monopoly. The legal battle centers on whether NASCAR can be compelled to grant permanent charters beyond the current agreement, with NASCAR maintaining its right to control charter allocation and business relationships.