23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports explain argument against NASCAR involving Stewart-Haas charters

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have decided to put their argument opposing NASCAR’s emergency motion that would delay the transfer of their charters from Stewart-Haas Racing in plain letters.

According to FOX’s Bob Pockrass, 23XI and FRM are claiming NASCAR denial of the charter transfer from SHR is being based on the two teams’ unwillingness to drop their lawsuit against the sport’s governing body, while stating that SHR doesn’t have the assets or infrastructure to support two extra Cup Series teams at this point, as well.

Those are two salient points from the tandem of 23XI and FRM. While both sides are pulling out all the stops to one-up each other, it’s evident the goal for the two organizations is to continue Cup Series racing, although the drama in the courtroom has seemingly been nonstop for months.

The two teams even took a pointed shot at NASCAR during their latest court filing, per Pockrass, with the opening line of their brief opposing NASCAR’s emergency motion that would delay transfer of their charters from Stewart-Haas Racing featuring some venom: “When a litigant does not have either the law or the facts on its side, it will pound the table,” the opening line read. “But Defendants’ pounding has become tired, familiar, and shrill.”

Moving forward, Judge Kenneth Bell has set multiple dates on the docket regarding the NASCAR lawsuit. From deadlines to respond to a possible trial date. It appears that things are moving quicker, but the end isn’t exactly in sight. 

The lawsuit has gone through a few back and forth between the Defendants and Plaintiffs. Last week, the court partially granted a motion to stay part of the preliminary injunction that was granted previously.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will face NASCAR in a hearing on January 8, 2025, regarding the motion to dismiss as well as other motions in the case. Discovery has a deadline of September 19, 2025. 

If there is no settlement reached between the parties, a trial could begin on December 1, 2025. Going the long haul, the lawsuit would last the entirety of the 2025 NASCAR schedule. In the event of a trial, there is a deadline for that as well. The court is seeking to complete the trial before the 2026 Cup Series season.

Time will tell what the result of the lawsuit ends up being, and if it’s NASCAR or 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports celebrating at the end of it all. Regardless, both sides aren’t going away quietly, and it’s evident we’re not exactly in the final stage at the moment.

On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this article.