Judge sides with 23XI, Front Row Motorsports in pivotal ruling, NASCAR decides on next step

The latest development in the controversial NASCAR Cup Series charter transfer from Stewart-Haas Racing to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports has been shared by FOX’s Bob Pockrass.

Evidently, Judge Kenneth D. Bell has ruled in favor of there being no delay on the injunction order, which means the transfer can officially take place, opening up the door for both teams to expand in 2025 as planned.

“Judge ruling: No delay in enforcing requirement that NASCAR approve a charter transfer to Front Row,” Pockrass posted on X. “But as far as SHR transfer to 23XI, team has to ask for that again because preliminary injunction request was for FRM (I believe b/c 23XI had not yet formally asked for transfer).”

Pockrass also relayed some other tidbits from Bell, “NASCAR’s ‘release to race’ requirement simply doesn’t pass muster and is likely to be found to violate antitrust law,” regarding the charter release of claims clause, and if 23XI asks for SHR charter transfer, “The Court will promptly consider that motion on its own merits.”

Additionally, Matt Weaver of Spotsnaut added that NASCAR is going to appeal the decision: “NASCAR will now appeal that decision to the Fourth Circuit of Appeals,” he posted on X.

Moreover, the lawsuit as a whole 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, Monday was certainly a win for the two teams arguing against the sport’s governing body.

On3’s Jonathan Howard contributed to this article.