NASCAR Countersues 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports...

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NASCAR Countersues 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports Over Charter Dispute

NASCAR has escalated its ongoing legal battle with Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports by filing a counterclaim, accusing the teams of violating antitrust laws.

The dispute centers on the charter system, which guarantees teams starting spots and financial incentives in each race.

NASCAR alleges that 23XI and Front Row engaged in “anticompetitive collective conduct” during negotiations for the 2025 Charter Agreements.

The controversy began when 23XI and Front Row refused to sign the updated charter agreements last September, making them the only two teams out of 15 to reject the proposal.

Instead, they filed a lawsuit against NASCAR, claiming the organization operates as a monopoly and uses exclusionary practices.

However, NASCAR countered by accusing the teams of forming an “illegal cartel,” orchestrated by Curtis Polk, a co-owner of 23XI and longtime advisor to Michael Jordan.

According to NASCAR, Polk led efforts to pressure NASCAR by threatening boycotts, interfering with broadcast negotiations, and discouraging new ownership from entering the sport.

NASCAR’s legal filing also argued that eliminating guaranteed starting spots for 23XI and Front Row may be necessary if the teams persist in challenging the agreements.

Attorney Christopher Yates emphasized that the charter system itself is at risk, as a court ruling in favor of the plaintiffs could dismantle the structure that teams have relied on since 2016.

Despite the acrimonious dispute, NASCAR maintains that the current agreements are fair and equitable, citing increased revenue sharing under a new $1.1 billion TV deal.

Both teams have remained active in competition during this legal saga, with federal judges allowing them to operate under charter agreements while the case proceeds.

A jury trial is scheduled for December, setting up a showdown that could shape the future of NASCAR’s charter system.

Whether the legal outcome redefines the sport or simply strengthens existing agreements, the stakes in this high-profile battle are enormous for all parties involved.