New revelations in the 23XI Racing NASCAR antitrust lawsuit updates emerged as text exchanges between key figures surfaced amid an injunction request, with a crucial court ruling anticipated next Thursday. The material, made public in federal court in North Carolina, highlights escalating discord between teams and NASCAR officials over the ongoing charter agreement negotiations.
New Information Revealed During Legal Hearings
On Wednesday, evidence presented in the case unveiled private messages shared between NASCAR leadership and team executives. Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports reported that both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) released documents showcasing blunt exchanges regarding the latest charter agreement draft. One message from NASCAR president Steve Phelps reportedly described the proposed contract as an effort to “f— the teams,” referencing a desire to realign the sport with its Southern heritage from decades past.
According to Kelly Crandall of Racer.com, other documents introduced by 23XI and FRM illustrate NASCAR executives advocating for teams to receive “zero wins” in these negotiations. Further, an exchange between NASCAR executive Scott Prime and others suggested providing the teams only minimal financial incentives, with all other demands being dismissed. Matt Weaver of motorsport.com documented Phelps instructing,
Give them (teams) the (contract), pick a date and sign it or lose their charters.
—Steve Phelps, NASCAR President
Claims of Coercion and Growing Friction
These messages echo earlier accounts from September, highlighted by JennA Fryer of the Associated Press, in which multiple NASCAR teams expressed feeling pressured and threatened into signing the charter agreement or risk forfeiting their team charters. During courtroom proceedings on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell scheduled the case for trial starting December 1 unless the parties reach a settlement. He strongly discouraged any belief in a guaranteed victory, stating:
“If either party feels certain they’re going to win, they’re wrong.”
—U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell in Thursday’s hearing to 23XI Racing, NASCAR and Front Row Motorsports (H/T Bob Pockrass)
Judge Bell emphasized his prior opinions that the case likely holds no clear “winner,” reiterating his advice that settling would serve all sides better than litigation.
Revealing Communications Among Team Owners
The legal discovery process also brought forward internal text messages from 23XI Racing’s ownership. In one exchange, Michael Jordan criticized Joe Gibbs Racing for signing the charter deal, using strong language to label both their decision and the acceptance by other teams. Crandall also shared that 23XI president Steve Lauletta messaged colleagues speculating that improvements in NASCAR might only occur following NASCAR CTO Jim France‘s eventual passing. Another message from Denny Hamlin directed at NASCAR’s France family stated:
“My despise for the France family runs deep.’
—Denny Hamlin in a text message with 23XI Racing executives regarding NASCAR’s France family
Charter Sales Dispute Heightens Stakes
Recently, NASCAR informed the court of plans to issue a team charter whose recipient remains undisclosed. This move is separate from any charters obtained from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), which NASCAR lists as inactive. Additionally, the league indicated it would reimburse teams for the sale of those SHR charters if transactions occur. Both 23XI Racing and FRM warned the court that they could be “out of business” after the 2025 Cup season should NASCAR secure extended control over the disputed charters, highlighting the urgency and gravity of the proceedings.
What Comes Next in the Antitrust Battle
Judge Bell reiterated during Thursday’s hearing that all evidence introduced at trial will enter the public record, restating the importance of a potential settlement before December. A decision is expected next week regarding whether 23XI and FRM will secure a preliminary injunction to let them continue operating as chartered teams for the rest of the season, or whether they must compete as open teams while awaiting the trial outcome. Additionally, Judge Bell may address NASCAR’s authority to sell the four contested charters in advance of the trial date.
The escalating intensity and exposure of internal hostilities, as reflected in these leaked communications, underline the high stakes and persistent mistrust defining the 23XI Racing NASCAR antitrust lawsuit updates. With a looming trial date, public airing of internal disputes, and livelihoods at risk, the motorsport industry faces months of uncertainty while awaiting judicial resolution or a possible settlement among the parties involved.
