23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports to run as open teams in ’25

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will compete next season as open teams in the NASCAR Cup Series. “We are pleased to announce that NASCAR has removed the anticompetitive release requirement in its open agreement, which will now allow 23XI and …

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports will compete next season as open teams in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“We are pleased to announce that NASCAR has removed the anticompetitive release requirement in its open agreement, which will now allow 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to race as open teams in 2025,” Jeffrey Kessler, the lead attorney for the teams, said in a statement. “My clients will continue their appeal to the 4th Circuit to issue an injunction so that they can run as chartered teams, therefore avoiding irreparable harm.

“Both race teams are pleased that they will continue to be a participant in this sport that they love while fighting to make it fair and just for all.”

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The issue with the clause is that it states legal claims cannot be brought against NASCAR. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports want to be able to see litigation through while still competing but could not sign either agreement because of the clause.

The organizations did not sign the 2025 charter agreement or the open agreement when given a deadline by NASCAR in early September. In response, an antitrust lawsuit was filed in which 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports accused NASCAR and Jim France of anti-competitive practices and being monopolistic bullies.

A judge denied the initial request for a preliminary injunction to be recognized as charter teams next season while removing the release clause on Nov. 8. The following day, Denny Hamlin, one of the co-owners of 23XI Racing, said it was “TBD” if the organization races next year.

Kessler has asked for an expedited appeal. The first event of the 2025 season is Feb. 2.

An open team will be required to qualify for each race. However, charter teams have guaranteed starting spots and a larger portion of the prize money.

The lawsuit, meanwhile, will be assigned to the fast track for a quick resolution.

23XI, FRM both holding out on new NASCAR charter agreements

23XI Racing says it intentionally missed a deadline to sign NASCAR’s new charter agreement because it is still not satisfied with the terms laid out by the series. “23XI decided to not meet a NASCAR-imposed deadline last night to sign charter …

23XI Racing says it intentionally missed a deadline to sign NASCAR’s new charter agreement because it is still not satisfied with the terms laid out by the series.

“23XI decided to not meet a NASCAR-imposed deadline last night to sign charter agreements for its two cars for 2025-2031. 23XI’s position, as stated in a letter to NASCAR, is that we did not have an opportunity to fairly bargain for a new charter contract,” read a statement issued by the team on Saturday.

“We notified NASCAR what issues needed to be addressed, in writing, at the deadline. We are interested in engaging in constructive discussions with NASCAR to address these issues and move forward in a way that comes to a fair resolution, while strengthening the sport we all love.

“At 23XI Racing, we remain committed to competing at the highest level while also standing firm in our belief that NASCAR should be governed by fair and equitable practices.”

NASCAR imposed a midnight Friday deadline. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are reported to be the only two organizations, of 15 with charters, who have not signed the agreement.

The current charter agreement, which went through an extension in 2020, ends after this season. It was aligned with the same year NASCAR would work through its next media rights deal. NASCAR and its teams have been going and forth on a new seven-year proposal for a charter agreement that would go through the 2031 season.

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NASCAR introduced charters in 2016. All full-time teams, 36 (from 15 organizations), have a charter that guarantees them entry into each Cup Series race. The value of the charter is tied to a guaranteed base of the purse money from each event and its performance.

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has been the most outspoken about a new agreement and the rejected proposals from NASCAR. Among the sticking points for the race teams is making the charters permanent and teams receiving more financially from the revenue within the industry.

During NASCAR playoff media day earlier this week, Hamlin said that the charter conversation between the teams and NASCAR had gone “stagnant,” and despite what others might be saying about a deal being close, was adamant things were continuing to go in the wrong direction.

“One side will have to wake up and be reasonable,” Hamlin said of a deal being finalized.

23XI Racing fields two full-time entries for Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. There has been conversation around expanding to a third car next season. Front Row Motorsports already announced plans to expand to three charter entries next season.

“I believe I am [telling the truth] from our standpoint, but it depends on who you ask,” Hamlin said. “There’s probably a handful of teams that are just happy to take any deal that they can get and there’s others with some business sense that say this is unreasonable.”

Hamlin did not have anything to add about the matter Saturday at Atlanta Motor Speedway, referring to the statement released. NASCAR also had no comment on the matter.

Reddick to start Coke 600 from rear after unapproved adjustment

Tyler Reddick’s 23XI Racing team was penalized Saturday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway and it will carry over into the start of Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600. The No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE passed inspection and then the team made an unapproved …

Tyler Reddick’s 23XI Racing team was penalized Saturday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway and it will carry over into the start of Sunday’s Coca-Cola 600.

The No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE passed inspection and then the team made an unapproved adjustment to the underwing. Reddick will be allowed to practice and qualify but will drop to the rear of the 39-car field for the start of the race on Sunday evening. After the green flag, Reddick will also have to serve a pass-through penalty.

Billy Scott and his team also lost their pit stall selection for the race. Michael Hobson, the team’s car chief, was ejected for the remainder of the weekend.

Reddick has finished ninth or better in all four of his Coca-Cola 600 starts. A fifth-place finish in last year’s event was a career best.