The storm surrounding NASCAR’s contentious charter agreement for the 2025 season just escalated, with NBA legend and 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan leveling fresh accusations against the organization. Jordan claims NASCAR is “blaming victims” in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM), which centers on monopolistic behavior. As the legal drama unfolds, concerns grow about the sport’s stability and the potential fallout of a high-profile team exodus.
The Antitrust Clash: What’s at Stake?
23XI Racing and FRM, the only two teams refusing to sign NASCAR’s new charter deal, are pursuing legal action to secure recognition as chartered teams while fighting allegations of monopolistic practices. U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney initially denied their request for a preliminary injunction, but a sudden judicial shift has brought Judge Kenneth D. Bell into the case.
In their latest filing, 23XI and FRM have accused NASCAR of retaliatory tactics, claiming the organization is attempting to “blame victims for asserting their antitrust rights.” The lawsuit alleges that the charter deal, which the other 13 Cup Series teams signed, unfairly excludes dissenting teams and stifles competition.
A Fractured Future? Lessons from IndyCar’s Past
Motorsports journalists Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi have raised alarm bells about the potential for a catastrophic split within NASCAR. Drawing comparisons to the infamous 1990s “Open Wheel War” in American open-wheel racing, Bianchi suggested that a similar fracture could devastate NASCAR.
“If 23XI and FRM walk away—or worse, form a rival series—it would completely fracture NASCAR,” Bianchi said. “Losing high-profile teams could make it difficult to fill the grid and leave NASCAR scrambling to maintain its competitive appeal.”
The IndyCar split of the 1990s, which saw CART and the IRL battle for dominance, offers a cautionary tale. The division fragmented the fanbase, alienated sponsors, and allowed NASCAR to become the dominant motorsport in the U.S. Even after the two series merged in 2008, the damage to American open-wheel racing’s popularity and commercial viability lingered for years.
Could NASCAR face a similar fate? With 23XI Racing backed by a global icon like Michael Jordan and FRM boasting consistent on-track performances, their departure—or even a sustained legal battle—could erode NASCAR’s cohesion and commercial stability.
What’s Next for 23XI and FRM?
Despite the lawsuit, 23XI Racing and FRM remain focused on the 2025 season. 23XI recently announced Riley Herbst as its third driver, joining Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Meanwhile, FRM has secured Noah Gragson and Todd Gilliland for its two-car lineup, with plans to field Ford Mustang Dark Horse teams full-time next year. However, NASCAR has tied the approval of FRM’s charter purchase from Stewart-Haas Racing to the resolution of the lawsuit, further complicating matters.
In a candid statement, Gragson expressed confidence in FRM’s participation next year, despite admitting he’s largely uninformed about the lawsuit. “I’m probably not the guy to ask, but I do feel confident we’re going to race,” he told Sportsnaut.
NASCAR’s Precarious Position
While NASCAR has removed a controversial anticompetitive release requirement from the charter agreement, the organization has yet to find a resolution that satisfies all parties. The clock is ticking, with the 2025 season fast approaching, and a second motion for a preliminary injunction now in play.
If NASCAR fails to address the concerns raised by 23XI and FRM, it risks more than just a legal battle—it could jeopardize the integrity and unity of the entire sport.
The Bigger Picture: Could This Be a Game-Changer?
NASCAR’s response to this lawsuit will set a precedent for how it navigates challenges to its authority and structure. If the organization can reach a compromise, it could emerge stronger, with a renewed focus on fairness and competition. But if the dispute leads to a fracture akin to IndyCar’s “Open Wheel War,” the consequences could be devastating.
As fans and stakeholders await the next chapter in this unfolding saga, one thing is clear: NASCAR is at a crossroads, and the choices made now will shape the future of stock car racing for years to come.
What do you think? Will 23XI and FRM race in 2025, or is NASCAR heading toward its own version of the IndyCar split? Share your thoughts below.
