On Wednesday, NASCAR appeared before a federal court to request the dismissal of the antitrust lawsuit against the stock car series. Should the matter go forward, NASCAR has requested that the two teams involved in the lawsuit be required to post a bond to cover expenses not due to them in the event of a loss.

The lawsuit was brought by 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports, controlled by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins. NASCAR also requested U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell of the Western District of North Carolina to remove chairman Jim France as a defendant.

At the end of the 90-minute session, Bell stated that the matter would be tried this year and deserves to be tried, indicating that he was not inclined to dismiss the lawsuit despite his promise of a quick conclusion. The calendar he set when he got the case last month specifies a trial in December.

Antitrust Lawsuit Filed Against NASCAR

According to auto racing news reports, Judge Bell took over for Judge Frank Whitney following Judge Whitney’s hearing of the initial round of arguments in early November. As the lawsuit continues, the clubs have already gone before Whitney to request recognition as chartered teams for the current season. Moving on, Whitney turned down the request.

Following the teams’ appeals, the matter was sent to Bell. Bell then issued an injunction, overturning Whitney’s decision, allowing 23XI and Front Row to participate with charter status throughout the 2025 season. As a result, NASCAR suggested that the teams put up a bond equal to their future earnings as chartered teams in case they lose the lawsuit.

For the 2016 season, NASCAR and the top Cup Series teams used a franchise structure that included 36 vehicles with charters, ensuring their participation in every race and providing financial incentives. At the field, we have four spaces available every week.