The ongoing 23XI Racing legal battle with NASCAR and Front Row Motorsports took a pivotal turn as Brad Keselowski, the 2012 Cup Series champion and co-owner of RFK Racing, delivered crucial testimony in court on October 2. Keselowski’s statements about charter negotiations and his experiences as a team owner have cast new light on an already tense dispute that could redefine team rights and NASCAR governance.
This season’s high-profile legal showdown between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR has captured widespread attention, with all parties frequently adjusting their positions based on new developments. The court’s earlier decision siding with NASCAR, permitting the organization to overlook the complaining teams as charter entries, dealt a significant setback to those challenging the status quo. The stakes have steadily escalated, with each new event intensifying pressure on both NASCAR and the involved teams.
Brad Keselowski’s Role in the Legal Dispute
In a significant development, Brad Keselowski stepped forward as a key witness, offering his account regarding the ongoing 23XI Racing legal battle. Keselowski is not only renowned as the 2012 Cup Series champion but also as the co-owner and driver for RFK Racing, bringing a dual perspective to his testimony. On October 2, he addressed the court, outlining his racing background and how he came to assume a leadership role at RFK Racing. He emphasized the environment during the 2025 charter negotiations, observing the complex dynamics at play.
Keselowski noted the active and evolving discussions among teams and NASCAR regarding the future terms of the charters, which control team entry and equity in the sport. He detailed his experience surrounding the negotiation process without overstating his involvement, stating:
“When I became a co-owner of RFK Racing, negotiations for the 2025 Charter extension were ongoing, and while I was not directly involved in the negotiations, my understanding is that there were multiple drafts of the 2025 Charter exchanged.”
Keselowski further discussed the ultimate settlement of the agreement, suggesting that while teams did not receive every term they sought, the compromise achieved was acceptable to RFK Racing and could positively impact team valuations:
“Although the teams did not get all they wanted in the Charter negotiations, the 2025 Charter reflects a compromise RFK Racing was ultimately willing to accept, and I believe it should contribute to growth in team equity values.”
Keselowski’s Perspective on Competing in Other Racing Series
Diversifying his focus, Keselowski also addressed his activities outside of NASCAR, highlighting his passion for competition in other motorsport formats. He recounted being approached by the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a short-track American racing series, and spoke about the opportunity enthusiastically:
“As a successful driver, I love competing in all sorts of motorsports. I was approached by a short-track series called Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) about driving in SRX races. SRX was a series composed of stock vehicles that raced on short tracks in America.”
The championship winner drew attention to NASCAR’s response when he participated in the SRX series. Keselowski clarified that his involvement in six SRX races during the 2023 season did not face any restrictions from NASCAR. He stated:
“I raced in the entire SRX series season (six races) in 2023 while continuing as a co-owner of, and driver for, a Cup Series team. NASCAR did not prohibit my participation in the SRX series,”
“.@Keselowski in new @NASCAR filing tonight: “I was approached by a short-track series called Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) about driving in SRX races. I raced in the entire SRX series season (six races) in 2023. … NASCAR did not prohibit my participation in the SRX series.”
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) October 4, 2025
The Impact of Keselowski’s Testimony on the Legal Case
Brad Keselowski’s transparent account regarding his dual roles as owner and driver, as well as his participation in other motorsports without restriction, directly challenges claims of NASCAR’s overreach. His testimony supports NASCAR’s position that teams and drivers retain certain freedoms under the current charter system, pointing to the compromise reached in 2025 as evidence of good faith negotiation rather than imposition.
NASCAR is relying on such testimony to bolster its request for a summary judgment, aiming to close the chapter on this litigation and redirect attention toward preparing for future seasons. The 23XI Racing legal battle has implications beyond this particular case, as it spotlights the ongoing negotiations that influence the commercial health and competitive structure of America’s premier stock car series.
The next phase in this dispute will depend on the court’s interpretation of agreements and whether the testimony of figures like Keselowski is seen as validating the integrity of current charter terms. With teams, owners, and governing officials awaiting the outcome, the case continues to shape the evolution of NASCAR’s business foundations.
.@Keselowski in new @NASCAR filing tonight: "I was approached by a short-track series called Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) about driving in SRX races. I raced in the entire SRX series season (six races) in 2023. … NASCAR did not prohibit my participation in the SRX series."
— Adam Stern (@A_S12) October 4, 2025
