Federal Court Approves Charter Injunction for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have secured a preliminary injunction for the 2025 NASCAR season and received approval to purchase charters from Stewart-Haas Racing, as ruled by U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth D. Bell.
NASCAR race at Martinsville Speedway
The injunction allows both teams to compete as charter teams during the 2025 season with all standard terms, except for the release clause. The teams continue their antitrust case against NASCAR, while the ruling prevents NASCAR from blocking their charter purchases from Stewart-Haas Racing for their planned expansion to third full-time cars.
The decision came after an initial denial in November by Judge Frank D Whitney, followed by a refiled request in late November. Judge Bell made his ruling without a hearing.
Key factors influencing the decision included:
- Driver Tyler Reddick's notice about a potential contract breach due to charter requirements
- Similar contract concerns from Riley Herbst and Noah Gragson
- Urgent concerns from drivers Bubba Wallace and Corey Heim about securing their racing futures
- Sponsor concerns from Monster Energy and Love's Travel Stops regarding 2025 obligations
Judge Bell concluded that the teams demonstrated "the likelihood of irreparable harm sufficient to support a preliminary injunction." While NASCAR maintains approval rights over sales, the ruling prevents them from denying these specific charter transactions.
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