Judge denies request by Michael Jordan's 23XI, Front Row teams in NASCAR antitrust case
Michael Jordan had his shot blocked Friday.
A federal judge denied a preliminary injunction request by two NASCAR teams — Jordan’s 23XI Racing, which he co-owns with Denny Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports — to keep their Cup Series charters as they pursue an antitrust lawsuit against the association.
Frank Whitney of the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina signed the motion.
The teams filed a suit last month. 23XI and Front Row were the only two clubs that refused a new charter agreement with NASCAR that would span the length of a seven-year media-rights deal.
Charters — think of them as franchises — have been a point of controversy and negotiation for more than two years. Under the current agreement, which commenced in 2016, there are 36 charters owned by 15 teams. Those 36 cars are guaranteed starting spots in every Cup Series event.
Thirteen of the 15 teams inked the new deal.
NASCAR revoked the charter extension offers to 23XI and Front Row. Their current contracts are set to expire after this season.
The teams can race as open entries but will not enjoy a guaranteed spot in the weekly field or glean an equal share of the revenue.
During a hearing Monday, they stated they would suffer irreparable harm, including the risk of losing sponsors, drivers, money and fan support as open participants.
Whitney’s determination: “They have not sufficiently alleged present, immediate, urgent irreparable harm, but rather only speculative, possible harm. That is, although Plaintiffs allege they are on the brink of irreparable harm, the 2025 racing season is months away — the stock cars remain in the garage."
The teams can appeal.
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In 23XI and Front Row’s lawsuit, they argue NASCAR has used its resources to become the only viable pro organization for stock-car teams and claims it deployed “anticompetitive and exclusionary practices” to “enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams.”
An awkward aspect: As this has been going on, 23XI’s Tyler Reddick advanced through the postseason and is one of four drivers with a shot at the 2024 championship Sunday in Phoenix.
The NASCAR champ could be someone whose bosses are suing NASCAR.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Two NASCAR teams denied 2025 charters during antitrust lawsuit
