NASCAR files appeal in lawsuit

Today at 08:00 PM

NASCAR filed a 68-page appeal Wednesday night — roughly one hour before the start of Daytona 500 qualifying — arguing a federal judge erred in recognizing 23XI Motorsports and Front Row Motorsports as chartered teams for 2025 as the two organizations sue over antitrust claims.

Last month, Bell denied NASCAR‘s motion to dismiss the suit, and also denied NASCAR‘s request that the two organizations post a bond to cover any monies they are paid as chartered teams that would have to be returned should 23XI and Front Row lose the lawsuit.

"The district court‘s injunction orders flout federal antitrust law; misapply the established rules governing the use of preliminary injunctions; ignore unrebutted, legally significant evidence; and have sweeping implications for NASCAR‘s 2025 Cup Series season," NASCAR wrote. "These injunctions misuse the judicial power to force NASCAR to treat its litigation adversaries as its business partners and confidants, undermining the mutual trust that has fueled NASCAR‘s growth and success."

The timing of the appeal — despite it hitting just one hour before time trials begin for Sunday‘s season-opening Daytona 500 — was a coincidence in that Wednesday was a court-ordered deadline. NASCAR does not publicly comment on the lawsuit.

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Not liking the terms of a contract does not qualify as an antitrust case, NASCAR believes, and is willing to see the case through to trial. Should 23XI and Front Row prevail, it is believed NASCAR will eliminate the charter system outright rather than renegotiate new charters.

— Associated Press —

NASCAR stresses in its brief: "Team owners can receive approximately 50% of NASCAR‘s media revenues attributable to the Cup Series under the 2025 Charter — a substantial increase from what they received in 2016, which was itself an increase from prior years." https://t.co/13VqCr7czb
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) February 13, 2025