Unlike Michael Jordan and 23XI Racing, NASCAR has been very careful about what they speak to the media regarding their legal dispute. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have both sued NASCAR on antitrust grounds, arguing that they exercise a monopoly over the sport. Moreover, the charters have emerged to be the central theme of an argument for both parties.
The teams declined to sign the new charter deal and are now pressing for an injunction. Meanwhile, NASCAR isn’t sold on the idea of providing the teams with the benefits of the chartered teams after going into the 2025 season. Well, it is indeed tough to gauge or measure how successful the charter system has been for the teams on the business end of things. But, it seems like NASCAR is batting up front with claims that the charter system has worked out well in terms of raising the level of competition.
Moreover, they also aimed a subtle jab at 23XI Racing with their very own example of making it to the final 4 of the Cup Series in 2024. “NASCAR, I think the competition has never been better. Just the front of the grid to the back of the grid, almost any team can win on any given Sunday, and I don’t ever remember in our history actually having that.” NASCAR President Steve Phelps said during the live webinar cohosted by Racer.com and Speed Sport.
“We as a sanctioning body are pleased with that. I think that’s what it’s meant to be, and I do think the charters and the charter system has led to that. There are no more start and parks; there are no more underfunded teams that are just running in the back; you just don’t have that anymore,” Phelps explained further.
This is a developing story.