23XI, Front Row granted preliminary injunction to race as chartered NASCAR teams in 2025

Today the judge ruling over the NASCAR lawsuit from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports has granted the preliminary injunction. Both organizations will compete as chartered teams in 2025 and will be given approval to purchase the Stewart-Haas Racing charters.

There will be no open cars from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports next season. The court has ruled in their favor, granting them the preliminary injunction the second time around.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports broke the news. This is a massive win for 23XI and FRM. But they have not won the lawsuit against NASCAR yet. However, the lawsuit will move forward.

BREAKING: 23XI and Front Row Motorsports have obtained the preliminary injunction to race as chartered teams in 2025 as well as for approval of the SHR transfers.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 18, 2024

NASCAR is going to have a chance to appeal this decision. Right now it is not clear whether or not they will make an appeal.

“The Court hearby enters a limited preliminary injunction only for the duration of the 2025 NASCAR Cup season as follows,” the court decision reads. “Defendants and their agents, servants, employees, attorneys, and all persons in active concert or participation with Defendants, must allow Plaintiffs to each enter two race cars in all NASCAR Cup races under the 2025 Charter Agreement terms applicable to all charter teams, with the exception that the ‘release’ language in Section 10.3 of the 2025 Charter Agreement shall not be enforceable to the extent that it would release or bar Plaintiff’ claims in this action.

“Further, NASCAR is preliminarily enjoined from refusing to approve Plaintiffs’ purchases of two Stewart-Haas Racing, LLC charters, which Plaintiffs will be entitled to use to race in all 2025 NASCAR Cup races on the same terms as other charter teams, again with the exception of the application of the release language to Plaintiffs’ claims in this action.”

The court also set a timeline for a potential trial. 23XI and Front Row have requested a trial that will conclude prior to the 2026 NASCAR season.

NASCAR lawsuit ramps up after injunction granted

This means that 23XI and Front Row will each have three Cup Series teams next season. NASCAR will have to scrap its plans for a 32-car field as far as charters are concerned. Back to the 36-car field that has been the norm for years.

Not only does this allow 23XI and FRM to operate as usual, but it also moves the lawsuit forward. Discovery and depositions are likely next. That means, barring a settlement between the two sides, we could see into NASCAR’s financials.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports failed their first request for an injunction. After filing another request and adding more evidence for irreparable harm, the court ruled in their favor.

An affidavit from Joe Custer of Stewart-Haas Racing and a statement from Jerry Freeze of Front Row Motorsports appears to have been enough. The teams showed how they were told they would be able to purchase the SHR charters and NASCAR was now refusing to do so because of the lawsuit.

This will likely mean we will hear who the third Front Row driver will be in 2025. There are many consequences that will come from this decision.