NASCAR has implemented new rules that give 23XI Racing protected by NASCAR rule change after recently losing their charters, ensuring teams led by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, along with Bob Jenkins’ Front Row Motorsports, are not automatically barred from competing in upcoming Cup Series events. The fresh rulebook update signals NASCAR’s move to set a field limit and base entry lists on owner points and qualifying speeds, an adjustment responding to this season’s legal and competitive turmoil.
Last week, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports raced as open entries at Dover Motor Speedway after their charters were revoked in a recent court decision. Without charters, they faced the risk of missing races due to limited entry lists. Thanks to the newly adopted Sections 5.1.F and 7.9.1.1, these teams now have a clearer path for race eligibility even as open teams, while NASCAR holds discretion to limit Cup Series entries to 40 per race and prioritize spots based on team owner points.
Owner Points and Qualifying Now Play a Decisive Role
The newly introduced section 5.1.F gives NASCAR full authority to cap race entries at 40, with spots for open teams determined primarily by current Team Owner Points standings. This refinement directly impacts 23XI Racing, as well as Front Row Motorsports, by allowing teams without charters to vie for a starting position—if they have accumulated strong owner points or fast qualifying laps.
Jonathan Fjeld of The Racing Experts outlined the precise language in the updates:
“NASCAR added these rules for entries in Cup races: 5.1.F. ‘NASCAR, at its sole discretion, may elect to limit the number of entries for a race to 40. In such instances, Open Teams will be determined based on the Team Owner Points standings.’” —Jonathan Fjeld, The Racing Experts
“7.9.1.1.C. ‘Up to six Open Teams will be eligible for starting grid positions based on the highest ranked Team Owner Points standings.’” —Jonathan Fjeld, The Racing Experts
Additionally, another update ensures that the four fastest open entrants in qualifying secure available grid positions. According to the changes in rule 7.9.1.1.B, raw speed has become a crucial factor for teams like 23XI and FRM, who are now forced to rely on performance rather than contractual guarantees.
“Four Open Teams will be eligible for the next available starting grid positions based on the fastest single lap speed posted to each Open Team’s vehicle in the first Qualifying round.” —Jonathan Fjeld, The Racing Experts
This arrangement maintains a competitive selection process for all open teams, offering hope to those recently stripped of their charters, but also increases pressure as every qualifying session becomes critical for entry and survival in the highly contested Cup fields.
Legal Disputes Intensify Over Charter System
Earlier in the season, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports purchased charters from Stewart-Haas Racing following the latter’s closure. Their attempt to block NASCAR from reclaiming the charters was denied by the courts, leaving them as open teams. The legal battle stems from a broader dispute over NASCAR’s Charter Agreement, with both teams arguing the system is anti-competitive and unfairly controlled by NASCAR and the France family, the sport’s principal power hitters.
The dispute began with a lawsuit filed in October, where 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports accused NASCAR of monopolistic practices and challenged the legality of the fresh Charter Agreement, which they had refused to sign the previous September. The situation grew more tense after a US District Court afforded the teams an initial injunction to keep their charters for the 2025 season. This protection, however, was rescinded on June 5 by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals; their appeal was subsequently denied, eliminating their eligibility for charter-based prize payouts and further fueling an atmosphere of uncertainty.
December Trial Set to Shape the Sport’s Future
With the legal appeal shut down, focus has shifted to the December trial, when a final ruling could significantly alter team finances, entry procedures, and the ongoing balance of power between NASCAR’s leadership and its competing organizations. As the trial date nears, emotions and stakes remain high, with stakeholders such as Denny Hamlin emphasizing the moment’s gravity:
“Dec. 1 is all that matters. Mark your calendar,” Denny Hamlin said (via Associated Press). —Denny Hamlin, Co-owner of 23XI Racing
The antitrust lawsuit is scheduled for trial on December 1, 2025, putting pressure on both sides to prepare their cases and navigate another season under revised rules. The outcome could reshape how the NASCAR Cup Series operates and how teams like 23XI and FRM compete and secure their futures.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is the CEO of 23XI Racing?
A. Denny Hamlin, who has won the Daytona 500 three times, co-owns 23XI Racing with Michael Jordan.
He mentioned they are ready to have Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Riley Herbst compete as open teams each week.
