In a pivotal moment for the sport, Joe Gibbs called for a quick and peaceful settlement to the ongoing NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, emphasizing the need to protect the future of racing in his detailed Joe Gibbs NASCAR lawsuit letter. The dispute erupted after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed suit against NASCAR over the charter system, leading Gibbs—a central figure in the racing community—to address the matter directly before the courts.
Background of the Charter Dispute and Lawsuit
As NASCAR prepares for the 2026 Cup Series season, the sport faces significant turmoil due to legal action by two prominent teams. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign the newly proposed charter agreement, opting instead to pursue an antitrust lawsuit. Their main objective is to seek improved contractual terms for charter holders, rather than accept the current agreement.
Although both teams continued to operate under the charter system for some time, the court has since removed their charter privileges while the antitrust case advances toward trial. The impact of this legal maneuvering is being felt across the NASCAR community as the core issues around control, value, and participation remain unresolved, threatening the stability of the series as it heads into a new era.
Joe Gibbs is deeply entwined with this conflict as owner and founder of Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). His organization maintains a close alliance with 23XI Racing, and notably, the co-owner of 23XI also races for JGR as the driver of the No. 11 entry. This unique relationship places Gibbs at the intersection of the dispute, connecting both parties involved in the litigation.
Joe Gibbs Delivers Declaration Letter
NASCAR requested that Gibbs provide a formal letter to the courts outlining his perspectives on the ongoing conflict. In his declaration, Gibbs spoke candidly about his connection with both factions, his assessment of the charter system, and the nature of the negotiations that led to the current unrest.
“My name is Joe Gibbs and I am an owner and the founder of Joe Gibbs Racing (“JGR”),” Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
He reflected on the beginnings of JGR and the success it has achieved, highlighting the team’s accomplishments in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
“I founded JGR in 1991 when my first stint as Head Coach of the Washington Redskins in the NFL was coming to an end. JGR has been fortunate to have success racing in the NASCAR Cup Series and also the NASCAR Xfinity Series. JGR drivers have won five Cup Series championships and four Xfinity Series championships.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
Balancing Relationships with Both Sides
Gibbs outlined how he was asked by Jim France and Steve Phelps to provide his insights for the court proceedings, describing the difficulty of being situated between long-standing relationships and essential business partners.
“Jim France and Steve Phelps asked me to provide a Declaration in this matter. I am doing so, though with great reservation. JGR and I are in an incredibly difficult position.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
He discussed his decades-long connection with the France family in particular, which has involved personal and professional ties extending well beyond the racetrack.
“One the one hand, I have had a close important relationship with the France family for decades, and consider Jim France a personal friend. Jim and I have had numerous talks about our families and how important NASCAR is to their future.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
The Stakes: Partners, Teams, and the Charter System
At the same time, Gibbs stressed the significance of being aligned with influential partners such as Toyota and key alliance members, as well as his own driver and the organizations they represent.
“At the same time, this lawsuit involves some of our very important partners: Toyota, alliance partners and our driver Denny Hamlin. These relationships are some of JGR’s most important business relationships. Therefore, the outcome of this lawsuit is very important for JGR and my family.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
The charter system itself has become the central point of contention. Joe Gibbs articulated his conviction that a lasting solution is crucial for everyone involved in the sport.
“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. That must happen to ensure the health, happiness and prosperity of our many hundreds of employees and their families. Nothing matters more to me.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
He further acknowledged the role of the France family in shaping NASCAR through decades of commitment and the organization’s readiness to adapt.
“I have respect for the time, effort and money the France Family has put into making NASCAR what it is today. NASCAR has also been willing to evolve as the Motorsports and sports and entertainment landscape has changed, particularly over the past 20 years.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
Negotiating the Charter Agreement
Gibbs provided his assessment of the current charter system, noting how it has benefited teams but urging for its permanence as a way to safeguard NASCAR’s future.
“NASCAR and the teams ultimately agreed to the system now known as the Charter agreement, which went into effect for the 2026 Cup Series season. I think that the Charter system has created equity value, though it is imperative that the equity value become permanent.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
He has advocated repeatedly for a permanent charter system, voicing his belief that solidifying the system would benefit both the financial position of teams and the health of the series as a whole.
“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. Doing so would, in my view, solidify the financial health and well-being of the Cup teams and the sport as a whole. The Charter system also delivered guaranteed entry into Cup Series races for Charter holders.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
Explaining the history of recent negotiations, he stated,
“The 2016 Charter was set to expire at the end of 2024. The negotiations over the new Charter, the 2025 Charter, were long and difficult, lasting over 2 years. JGR ultimately agreed to sign the 2025 Charter Agreement. Had we not, JGR would have put at risk its four Charters, which in turn, would have put at risk the organization as a whole, and the employees and families that rely on us.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
He added his optimism for the new arrangement, anticipating broad benefits for all contributors to the sport.
“I am hopeful that the 2025 Charter and the efforts of NASCAR, the teams, the tracks and our sport’s media partners will deliver continued success for all of the stakeholders necessary to put on exciting races that our fans love.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
Call for Resolution and the Road Ahead
Gibbs made clear his insistence on steering clear of extended legal battles, reiterating his desire for swift closure.
“I am presenting this declaration voluntarily and of my own free will. I have made it clear to both sides in this lawsuit that I do not want to be a witness and that I think it’s important for this to be resolved before any real damage is done to the sport.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
Closing his letter with a strong affirmation, Gibbs attested to the truthfulness of his statement.
“I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.”
— Joe Gibbs, Founder, Joe Gibbs Racing.
Significance for NASCAR’s Future
The ongoing legal challenge and the resulting positions of leading figures such as Joe Gibbs underscore the turbulence facing NASCAR at a crucial moment of transition. As the series approaches the next era of charter agreements and shifting alliances, the ultimate resolution of the lawsuit will have lasting consequences for the business structure, equity value, and health of the entire motorsports ecosystem. The racing world now waits to see if consensus can be reached before the case inflicts lasting harm, as called for in Joe Gibbs’ passionate plea for unity and forward motion.
