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NASCAR has once again denied a request for a temporary charter from Cup Series teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM), despite their ongoing lawsuit against the sanctioning body. This comes after the two teams filed a second injunction, seeking to secure a charter for the 2025 season during the ongoing legal battle.
In a recent update provided by racing insider Bob Pockrass on X (formerly Twitter), NASCAR responded to the second motion for a preliminary injunction. The sanctioning body confirmed that the deadline to file a response had been met, and their stance remained unchanged from the original rejection.
Pockrass shared the following statement from NASCAR:
"NASCAR's deadline to file a response to 23XI/Front Row most recent preliminary injunction motion was today and it was just filed."
Despite the teams' renewed attempt to retain a charter for next season, NASCAR once again emphasized that no significant new evidence had been presented. The organization argued that the teams had not demonstrated how "irreparable harm" would occur without the injunction. NASCAR's statement continued:
"Even with their manufactured evidence, Plaintiffs still fall far short of a clear showing of irreparable harm. Their new submissions underscore that any claimed harm remains speculative, self-inflicted, and redressable with monetary damages."
The Legal Battle Between NASCAR and 23XI Racing, FRM
The legal conflict began after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports failed to reach a charter agreement for the 2025 Cup Series season. In response, the two teams filed a lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO Jim France, accusing the organization of monopolistic practices and violations of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
At the heart of the lawsuit is the teams' desire to retain a charter, which would guarantee them a spot in the Cup Series field for the upcoming season. However, their efforts to secure a preliminary injunction have been repeatedly denied by NASCAR.
23XI Racing's New Addition: Riley Herbst for 2025
Despite the ongoing legal conflict with NASCAR, 23XI Racing is pushing forward with their plans for the 2025 season. Recently, the team announced that they would field a third full-time car, driven by Riley Herbst. Herbst, a three-time Xfinity Series winner, will drive the #35 Toyota for 23XI Racing, with Monster Energy as the primary sponsor.
The announcement was made through a promotional video showing Herbst entering the 23XI Racing shop, where he was welcomed by the team. The caption read, "Welcome to the family #forwardtogether."
23XI Racing's 2025 Driver Lineup
Herbst will join teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick at 23XI Racing for the 2025 season. Wallace, who drives the #23 car, has faced challenges in recent seasons, failing to win a race for the second consecutive year and missing the playoffs. His last victory came in October 2022 at Kansas Speedway.
Reddick, on the other hand, had a standout season, making it to the Championship 4 race and finishing fourth overall among the title contenders. He also won three races and claimed the regular season championship. With the addition of Herbst, 23XI Racing aims to strengthen their roster and continue their competitive push, regardless of the ongoing legal issues with NASCAR.
