NASCAR Ford Team Pushes Back On Decision To Have Court Oversee Talks

When NASCAR Ford team Front Row Motorsports (FRM) and Toyota’s 23XI Racing sued the sanctioning body late last year, they set themselves up for a long, drawn-out fight with the sport’s executives. FRM and 23XI took issue with the proposed charter system, arguing that NASCAR is unfairly leveraging its monopoly on premiere stock car racing. NASCAR has now taken things a step further yet again, insisting that a court facilitate further negotiations.

According to a report from Motorsport, NASCAR motioned to the Western District of North Carolina to order a settlement conference that will be overseen by a judge. This negotiation would take the place of private conversations that were previously held. In short, the sport’s execs feel like they’re getting nowhere with NASCAR Ford team FRM and 23XI, and hope that a conversation overseen by a judge will help nudge things along.

“Accordingly, NASCAR believes that the parties would benefit from a facilitated settlement discussion with a distinguished member of the bench who could provide unique insight into a jury trial in a complex matter such as this one in front of a jury in this District,” reads the latest filing. “Recognizing the value of a judicial settlement conference, this Court has previously indicated a willingness to offer a judicial settlement conference at a similar stage in the proceedings: after efforts with a private mediator and following the close of discovery and filing of summary judgment motions.”

FRM and 23XI argued that they don’t need a court to oversee the coming negotiations. They indicated that “starting over” with a new mediator would set the discussions back, and that it would be less likely to lead to resolutions that proceeding with private talks.

“However, Plaintiffs remain willing and available to engage in meaningful settlement discussions anytime, anywhere, and with anyone,” the teams responded.

23XI stated that its employees and drivers would be set through the 2026 season, regardless of charter status. It’s not clear if FRM will follow suit.