Charters are NASCAR’s version of franchises. 36 were issued and they guarantee starting positions in every points paying event as well as a significant financial bonus to those teams.
The more recent charter sales are estimated over $40M.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are suing NASCAR alleging antitrust. They elected not to sign the charter agreement for 2025 and instead went to court. The trial for that case is expected later this year.
NASCAR lawsuit opened by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports
And there’s been a lot of big rulings leading up to that trial…
In December, the teams won a preliminary injunction forcing NASCAR to recognize 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports as charter teams. They received race earnings, as if they were charter holders.
NASCAR appealed that ruling. In April, NASCAR won the appeal and they have since revoked charter benefits from both teams.
Related: NASCAR wins court appeal to claim charters from 23XI / FRM
NASCAR has claimed three charters from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Now, NASCAR already has an agreement to transfer ownership of one of those charters to another team.
That’s according to a new filing on Monday. The wording noted, “plans to issue a charter.”
The team name was redacted from the document. Additionally, it’s unclear if NASCAR is selling that charter or giving it away.
NASCAR is stating they will suffer irreparable harm if they are not allowed to transfer the charter.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are saying they will suffer irreparable harm if they are not given their charters back. They noted that Tyler Reddick has already handed them a breach of contract notice as his contract requires the team to provide a charter entry.
NASCAR and both teams will be in court on Thursday. The teams are looking for the courts to return their charter status and prevent NASCAR from transferring the charter.
Brad Keselowski says the NASCAR lawsuit is a threat to the sport
“NASCAR’s Opposition is a brazen effort to deny reality. It is striking in its failure to even address most of the smoking-gun documents that admit NASCAR viewed competitive entry as a threat.”
The teams are saying they would be out of business in 2026 if the transfer of the charter goes through.
“This Court has already found that it is not economically viable to race as open teams on a long-term basis. And NASCAR did not challenge that finding on appeal.”
23XI Racing Driver Lineup:
– Bubba Wallace (No. 23)
– Tyler Reddick (No. 45)
– Riley Herbst (No. 35)
Front Row Motorsports Driver Lineup:
– Noah Gragson (No. 4)
– Todd Gilliland (No. 34)
– Zane Smith (No. 38)
