NASCAR requests hearing date in U.S. Court of Appeals in 23XI, Front Row lawsuit

Today, NASCAR has requested a hearing date, regarding the preliminary injunction granted in the lawsuit against the sports league, in the U.S. Court of Appeals. They have requested May 15 for the hearing.

The North Carolina Western District Court granted an injunction to allow 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race as chartered organizations. It also allowed both teams to buy a third charter from Stewart-Haas Racing.

NASCAR is hoping this lawsuit can be brought to an end with the appeal. If the U.S. Court of Appeals reverses the preliminary injunction it will be a big blow to the teams. As it stands, NASCAR is on its heels a bit in regard to this suit.

The Fourth Circuit is the appeals court taking up the situation. NASCAR entered the motion in the lawsuit for the expedited decision and hearing this afternoon.

“This appeal challenges preliminary injunction orders with important implications for one of the Nation’s premier racing leagues, NASCAR, and its upcoming 2025 Cup Series season. The orders compel NASCAR to guarantee Plaintiffs spots in all 2025 Cup Series races, as well as certain revenue payments – actions that affect NASCAR, its teams, and other NASCAR stakeholders.

“According to this Court’s January 3, 2025 briefing order, merits briefing will conclude by April 4, 2025. All parties have agreed not to seek any extensions of these deadlines, leaving ample time for a panel of this Court to prepare for a May 15, 2025 hearing. Plaintiffs-Appellees 2311 Racing LLC, and Front Row Motorsports, Inc., consent to this request.”

NASCAR requests hearing, expedited decision in lawsuit

In the motion for the hearing, NASCAR reiterates its arguments in the lawsuit to the Court of Appeals. They insist that they are being harmed by these preliminary injunction orders. Attorneys for the sanctioning body also define what a charter is and explain the business side of things.

So, there’s nothing new in the motion. However, a new set of eyes looking over the case can change everything. Not all judges interpret the law the same way. A reversal of the injunction orders in May would be a wild story.

If the U.S. Court of Appeals overturns the District Court rulings on May 15, can you imagine the firestorm that would cause? 23XI and Front Row would go from being chartered entries with three teams each to having no charters. On top of that, a reversal of the orders could force a sale of their recently acquired Stewart-Haas charters.

The NASCAR lawsuit could get really wild if we see a major reversal in the middle of the season. It would put NASCAR back in the driver’s seat so to speak in regard to this legal battle.