Other than the Cup Series playoffs kicking off, the most sought-after thing in NASCAR currently is the lawsuit drama. While the hearing for the preliminary injunction request filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports is still pending, NASCAR has recently agreed to keep six charters reserved until the end of the lawsuit.
How Did NASCAR’s Recent Move Offer Some Relief for 23XI Racing and FRM?
23XI and FRM are fighting an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, accusing it of “monopolistic practices.” However, the teams sought a preliminary injunction, which basically gave them charter status, with all the benefits included, while also allowing them to fight a lawsuit. While they were earlier granted this injunction, it was later revoked by a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals.
Then, recently, NASCAR revealed that it had already lined up an interested party to sell one of the teams’ charters. But according to the teams, if their charter were sold or reissued, it would cause them huge monetary losses.
Hence, in their fresh request for a preliminary injunction, the teams urged the court to grant them back the charter status for the remainder of the season and prevent NASCAR from selling their charters. If not, according to the teams, they risk going “out of business.” On the other hand, NASCAR awaited a green flag from the court to sell the charter to its interested party.
However, in the recent hearing, the court did not give a conclusive ruling. NASCAR Journalist Bob Pockrass reported, “Hearing is over. No decision until next week on whether 23XI/FRM can be chartered for the rest of the year and whether NASCAR can sell their charters before the December trial.”
Hearing is over. No decision until next week on whether 23XI/FRM can be chartered rest of year and whether nascar can sell their charters before December trial.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 28, 2025
While it’s still uncertain if the court would reverse the previous ruling on the preliminary injunction, NASCAR has recently agreed to hold back six charters. According to Journalist Matt Weaver’s X post, “NASCAR says it will hold six charters for 23XI and Front Row next season if they win their antitrust lawsuit following a suggestion from Judge Bell in Thursday’s hearing.”
NASCAR says it will hold six charters for 23XI and Front Row next season if they win their antitrust lawsuit following a suggestion from Judge Bell in Thursday’s hearing https://t.co/9GhmNanuO3
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) August 29, 2025
Basically, if 23XI and FRM win the trial in December, NASCAR would have enough charters available to give back to the teams.
What Makes These Reserved Charters Different from NASCAR’s Usual Practice?
The six reserved charters would include the four NASCAR already has in reserve, which they saved in case a new manufacturer decides to join the series. The other two would be the ones transferred from a defunct Stewart-Haas Racing team to 23XI and FRM this season. If the court allows, the racing series would still sell one of the four charters bought initially by the teams during their early days in the sport.
Well, the reason NASCAR is so hell bound on selling those charters is because they are more valuable than the ones in reserve. In NASCAR, charters are paid out according to an algorithm based on previous seasons’ performance.
For now, things remain uncertain in this case, and only time will tell what unfolds. However, one thing is certain: If the two teams do end up winning, the France family could face a plethora of issues. One is drafting a new charter agreement that aligns with the teams’ demands.
