The ongoing charter battle between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports has reached another pivotal moment. In a new filing submitted late Monday night, NASCAR made its intentions clear: it wants the ability to sell the six charters stripped from the two teams earlier this summer. The sanctioning body argues that delaying a decision would stall potential new ownership opportunities and disrupt preparations for the 2026 season, while 23XI and FRM push to keep their seats at the Cup Series table.
Key Highlights
NASCAR files late-night motion opposing injunction for 23XI and FRM
Six charters remain in limbo ahead of August 28 hearing
NASCAR cites “many eager potential entrants” interested in purchase
Michael Jordan named directly in filing over 23XI’s legal stance
Antitrust lawsuit continues with trial set for December 2025
NASCAR’s Argument for Charter Sales
NASCAR’s filing emphasizes its urgency to move forward with the charter sales process. The sanctioning body claims there are multiple unnamed organizations ready to buy the six open slots and begin preparing for entry into the Cup Series. Their names have been redacted from the court record, but the filing portrays them as well-supported groups capable of bringing financial and competitive strength into the sport. NASCAR insists this transition could reshape the field and create opportunities for fresh investments.
“These are aspiring entrants that have a passion for motorsports, have infrastructural support behind them, and have histories of on the track success. It would benefit fans, other teams, broadcast partners, and the Cup Series generally to bring in these new teams.” – NASCAR court filing
The sanctioning body is also pressing urgency. NASCAR argues that if the fate of the charters is left undecided until the trial scheduled for mid-December 2025, new teams will be unable to adequately prepare for the 2026 season.
“If the fate of these six Charters is not resolved until after the trial concludes in mid-December 2025, it will be impossible for a new team to gear up for the 2026 season.” – NASCAR
Legal Counterpoints and Monopoly Claims
As part of its defense, NASCAR challenges the core arguments presented by 23XI and FRM. The teams have framed NASCAR’s control over charters as monopolistic. However, the sanctioning body points to other competitive outlets like the CARS Tour and claims it has never blocked competitors from racing in other stock car disciplines in the modern era. They also highlight financial adjustments over the past decade, citing charter agreement expansions that have boosted team payouts compared to other major motorsports.
Additionally, the filing takes aim at 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan. NASCAR claims the NBA legend is leveraging the lawsuit to secure privileges no other team enjoys.
“Michael Jordan intends to use litigation to grant him a permanent charter that no other team has.” – NASCAR court filing
The Broader Battle Over Charters
This latest dispute stems from a larger antitrust lawsuit that has shaped the NASCAR landscape since 2024. A preliminary injunction initially granted to 23XI and FRM allowed them to keep operating with charters, but the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed that decision in June 2025. Since then, both organizations have been running as open teams. This transition has brought substantial financial strain and jeopardized their long-term stability. NASCAR, however, adjusted its rulebook to ensure full 40-car fields remain intact, preventing the possibility of either team missing races.
The legal fight now moves toward a crucial August 28 hearing, scheduled just days before the start of the Cup Series playoffs. If the injunction is denied, NASCAR will be free to sell the six charters immediately, setting in motion the biggest shift in team ownership since the charter system’s introduction in 2016.
News in Brief: NASCAR Push to Sell Revoked Charters
NASCAR’s latest filing intensifies its battle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports over six revoked charters. The sanctioning body opposes reinstating the teams, arguing instead for immediate sales to new buyers it describes as ready and well-supported. NASCAR directly names Michael Jordan in the filing and challenges monopoly claims by pointing to other racing opportunities. A decisive hearing on August 28 could settle whether these charters stay or go, with the trial set for December 2025.
ALSO READ: Judge Denies NASCAR Motion Against 23XI Racing, Keeps Focus on Antitrust Claims
