Landmark Settlement Reached: NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports Forge Path to Stability and Growth

After more than a year of protracted legal wrangling and a nine-day trial, NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports have jointly announced a comprehensive settlement, bringing an end to the antitrust lawsuit that had cast a shadow over the sport. The resolution, unveiled outside the courthouse with key figures from all parties present, signifies a pivotal moment aimed at fostering long-term stability and substantial growth for all teams within a more competitive racing environment.

At the forefront of this landmark agreement is the introduction of permanent charters, a critical component designed to provide teams with enhanced security and a more predictable economic framework. An updated charter agreement is slated for finalization ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, signaling a commitment to structural improvements that will shape the future of stock car racing.

In a joint statement released following the announcement, NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports expressed their shared satisfaction with the outcome. "This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world," the statement read. "The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans."

The collaborative statement further emphasized the forward-looking nature of the settlement. "With this matter now resolved, all parties look forward to working together, alongside all chartered race teams, to deliver world-class events, dynamic sponsorship and partner activation opportunities, and continued growth for generations to come."

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A significant element of the agreement involves an amendment to existing charter terms for current charter holders, which will include a form of "evergreen" charters, contingent upon mutual agreement. While the financial specifics of the settlement remain confidential and will not be publicly disclosed, the underlying sentiment is one of shared dedication to the sport. "What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential," the joint statement concluded. "This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter, and its possibilities are greater." The parties also extended their gratitude to Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin for their professionalism and guidance throughout the legal proceedings, as well as to the jury for their time and service.

Key Figures Emphasize Shared Vision for NASCAR’s Future

The resolution was met with optimism and a renewed sense of purpose from the leadership of the involved parties.

Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, articulated his perspective on the lawsuit’s core objectives. "From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans," Jordan stated. "With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026."

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a prominent figure in NASCAR, underscored his lifelong commitment to the sport and the motivations behind pursuing the legal action. "I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am," Hamlin said. "That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand. We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers, and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and now it is time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves."

Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports, a team with over two decades of history in NASCAR, expressed his confidence in the sport’s trajectory following the settlement. "After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we’re headed," Jenkins commented. "I love this sport, and it was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers, and sponsors fairly and kept the competition strong. With this change, we can finally build long-term value and have a real voice in NASCAR’s future. I’m excited for the road ahead—for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands, and everyone who loves this sport."

Curtis Polk, also a co-owner of 23XI Racing and a member of the Team Negotiating Committee, highlighted the settlement’s impact on the economic model for teams. "My goal as a member of the Team Negotiating Committee was to help create an economic model that would create a more sustainable model for teams and create a more equitable and transparent system within NASCAR," Polk explained. "This settlement achieves significant progress toward the Four Pillars. The result brings NASCAR and the chartered teams into better alignment and supports future growth and sustainability for all stakeholders and a better sport for the fans."

Jim France, CEO and Chairman of NASCAR, emphasized the agreement’s role in ensuring continued fan engagement and the sport’s enduring legacy. "This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948," France stated. "We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series. Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come. We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams and racetracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026."

Background of the Lawsuit and the Charter System

The antitrust lawsuit, initiated by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, centered on allegations that NASCAR’s charter system, introduced in 2016, created an unfair competitive landscape and limited team autonomy. The charter system, designed to provide a level of stability and guaranteed participation in the Cup Series, has been a cornerstone of NASCAR’s business model. However, the plaintiffs argued that its structure, particularly regarding charter values and transferability, had led to economic disparities and hindered the long-term viability of certain teams.

23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, entered the Cup Series in 2021 and quickly established itself as a competitive force, securing multiple wins with drivers Bubba Wallace and Kurt Busch in its early years. Front Row Motorsports, led by owner Bob Jenkins, has been a fixture in the Cup Series since 2004, known for its consistent presence and occasional victories with drivers like David Ragan and Michael McDowell.

The legal battle highlighted the complex economic and structural challenges facing modern motorsports. The protracted nature of the litigation underscored the significant stakes involved for all parties, as well as the potential impact on the future direction of NASCAR. The settlement, therefore, represents not only a legal resolution but a strategic realignment aimed at strengthening the entire ecosystem of the sport. The focus now shifts to the implementation of the updated charter agreement and the collaborative efforts to ensure a robust and thriving future for NASCAR.

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