23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging anti-competitive practices that they claim stifle the sport's growth and fairness. Following this, Jeffrey Kessler, the lawyer representing the two teams has claimed that NASCAR will “have to change.”
The lawsuit accuses NASCAR, headed by CEO Jim France, of a lack of transparency and engaging in practices that unfairly disadvantage race teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Kessler represents the plaintiffs, championing a cause he believes is essential for the long-term health of the sport. He claimed, as quoted by RACER:
“This is reminiscent for me of many sports that have gone through a transformative model.
“(It’s) sort of a moment when the legal style basically confronts them and says, either you’re going to voluntarily change or you’re going to be changed and you can either get on the bus or get run over by the bus. No one wanted this litigation but NASCAR didn’t really give these teams any choice — you either submit to the bully or you fight. They’re going to fight.
“We think at the end of the day, NASCAR’s going to have to change because that’s what the legal system is going to require.”
At the heart of these grievances lies the 2025 Charter Agreement, which has driven a wedge between NASCAR and many of its teams. Team owners have voiced their frustrations over issues relating to permanent charters, revenue sharing, and the governance structure that they believe unfairly consolidates power within the France family.
Both Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing shared the following statement:
"We share a passion for racing, the thrill of competition, and winning. Off the racetrack, we share a belief that change is necessary for the sport we love. Together, we brought this antitrust case so that racing can thrive and become a more competitive and fair sport in ways that will benefit teams, drivers, sponsors, and, most importantly, fans."
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a Cup Series driver, has been vocal about the necessity for a fairer system in NASCAR.
"It's actually pretty simple in my opinion. When I look around, I see that the best and most competitive sports in the world understand that when teams thrive, fans benefit, and that everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success. With the right changes, we can certainly make that a reality in racing."
Bob Jenkins, the owner of Front Row Motorsports, also commented:
"I have been part of this racing community for 20 years and couldn't be more proud of the Front Row Motorsports team and our success. But the time has come for change. We need a more competitive and fair system where teams, drivers, and sponsors can be rewarded for our collective investment by building long-term enterprise value, just like every other successful professional sports league."
