Back in October 2024, NASCAR Ford team Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and Toyota outfit 23XI Racing teamed up against the sanctioning body, kickstarting a lengthy legal battle that’s had more twists and turns than a road course. The court initially ruled in favor of FRM and 23XI in the antitrust lawsuit, but NASCAR fought back not once, but twice, and now, the scales are tipping even further away from the teams, meaning they must race without their guaranteed charters.
As per a report from the Associated Press, a federal judge rejected a request from 23XI and FRM, which would have allowed the teams to continue to race as chartered entries. Now, though, all six entries – three NASCAR Ford Mustang Dark Horse and three Toyota TRD Camry racers – will race as “open” teams this weekend at Dover on July 20th, 2025, meaning they are not guaranteed a spot on the grid and will depend on qualifying speed to make the field.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell denied FRM and 23XI’s bid for a temporary restraining order. He reasoned that the teams will qualify for the races over the next few weeks, and that they will not lose their drivers or sponsors before he makes a decision on a preliminary injunction.
“We are disappointed that the court declined to grant 23XI and Front Row Motorsports a temporary restraining order to allow the teams to continue racing as chartered teams,” said attorney Jeffrey Kessler, who is representing both teams, said in a statement. “We remain confident that our motion for a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary, and we look forward to the court’s full review.”
As a reminder, the NASCAR charter system ensures that participating teams secure a spot on the Cup Series grid every weekend. It also guarantees a base payout. Without a charter, “open” teams must qualify on speed and risk missing the race if the field fills up.
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