U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney has set a timeline to decide on a preliminary injunction in the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
The decision, which is eagerly awaited, follows a courtroom hearing held earlier today for a preliminary injunction for the teams to continue competing in 2025 with charters. The lawsuit as a whole challenges the current charter system in NASCAR. A ruling is expected by the end of the week, aligning with the Championship 4 race in Phoenix.
FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass confirmed the update to social media, posting:
“No ruling on the injunction hearing today. Possibly by Friday.”
No ruling on the injunction hearing today. Possibly by Friday.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 4, 2024
The legal battle was set into motion as both 23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports, backed by Bob Jenkins, contest against NASCAR’s charter system. The team released the following statement at the time:
“We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning. Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love. Together, we brought this antitrust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans.”
Denny Hamlin also commented at the time:
“It’s actually pretty simple in my opinion. When I look around, I see that the best and most competitive sports in the world understand that when teams thrive, fans benefit, and that everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success.”
He added:
“With the right changes, we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”
The injunction at the center of the lawsuit could potentially allow the affected teams, including 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, to participate as chartered teams in the 2025 season. An unfavored decision, however, could mean racing as open teams, devoid of the protective and profitable charter system. For 23XI Racing, such an outcome poses the risk of losing key talent like driver Tyler Reddick and critical sponsors.
Michael Jordan, speaking after the hearing, commented:
“No, I’ve been in situations of disparity.
“I think the race team’s going to focus on what they have to do this weekend, which I expect them to. I think Jeffrey did an unbelievable job today, and I think, hey I put all my cards on the table, I think we did a good job of that. I’m looking forward to winning a championship this weekend, though.”
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