NASCAR and Jim France have advanced a Denny Hamlin NASCAR court filing, asking for a summary judgment in an ongoing antitrust dispute with 23XI Racing and Front Row as tensions continue to rise before the trial. The case, involving key NASCAR Cup Series figures like Joe Gibbs and Rick Hendrick, centers on whether NASCAR has violated the Sherman Act sections 1 and 2 regarding team charters and the future structure of the sport.
NASCAR and Team Owners Seek Swift Resolution
On Friday evening, NASCAR and Jim France filed a motion in court asking Judge Kenneth Bell to make a summary judgment about the alleged Sherman Act violations, pushing for clarity and resolution before a lengthy trial. Their argument hinges on multiple reasons, with the primary concern focused on defending the current charter system that teams use for stability and investment.
Statements supporting the motion were gathered from several Cup Series team owners, such as Rick Hendrick, Richard Childress, Joe Gibbs, and Brad Keselowski. These owners emphasized their commitment to the charter system and expressed a strong desire for its permanence in the sport. Their testimonies reflect the importance of retaining the structure that has governed the sport’s modern era.
Joe Gibbs’ Position and the Stakes for the Sport
Joe Gibbs, in particular, articulated the difficult position team principals like himself face in this Denny Hamlin NASCAR court filing. Drawing from decades of connection with the France family, including a personal friendship with Jim France, Gibbs acknowledged the value of neutrality and the broader interests of the sport and its fanbase.
“Joe Gibbs:
“I have made it clear to both sides in this lawsuit that I do not want to be a witness and I think it’s important for this to be resolved before any real damage is done to the sport.”
” — Joe Gibbs, Team Owner
He further mentioned the request by Jim France and Steve Phelps for him to provide a formal declaration, a task he carried out with clear hesitation due to his complex personal ties and the potential ramifications for his team, JGR. Throughout his statement, Gibbs remained focused on the need for a swift and positive outcome that would shield the sport from unnecessary harm.
“Jim France and Steve Phelps asked me to provide a Declaration in this matter. I am doing so, though with great reservation,”
Owners Champion the Charter System’s Future
Gibbs doubled down on the message prevalent among Cup Series team owners, calling for an outcome that will protect and possibly enshrine the charter system. According to the owners, this model is vital to the financial and operational health of their teams and to the long-term stability of NASCAR itself.
“The most important thing to me is that this lawsuit is resolved amicably, quickly, and in a manner that preserves the Charter system and the long-term viability of our incredible sport, Gibbs added.
“… I have repeatedly expressed my strong desire for the Charter system to become permanent in nature, and I continue to hold out hope that will one day be the case.”
The sentiment was echoed by other owners’ statements submitted in court, reinforcing the position that granting permanence to the charter system is essential. These collective views argue that the current structure is the foundation of the Cup Series as it operates today and that a stable, recognized system is crucial for teams to thrive and attract investment.
Trial Looms as Judge and Stakeholders Weigh Options
The final decision regarding these antitrust allegations and the future of the charter system now rests with Judge Kenneth Bell. The judge has voiced concern that a full-scale trial could deeply alter the sport, potentially without satisfying any party involved. Despite these cautions, preparations for a trial remain underway, with less than two months until a possible court showdown.
As NASCAR’s leadership holds its position and the teams maintain their collective stance on permanent charters, the coming weeks are likely to be pivotal for the organization’s legal and operational future. The high-profile nature of the case and voices like Joe Gibbs, Jim France, and peers from across the series highlight the magnitude of what’s at stake, with the entire industry watching closely as this case develops.
Joe Gibbs: “I have made it clear to both sides in this lawsuit that I do not want to be a witness and I think it’s important for this to be resolved before any real damage is done to the sport.” https://t.co/yH6AUz9Itw pic.twitter.com/CXZXFKQ3oT
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 4, 2025
