NASCAR’s monopolistic behavior has come under legal scrutiny as a race team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan filed an antitrust lawsuit. This decision by 23XI Racing, in alliance with Front Row Motorsports, is being viewed as a game-changer threatening the very livelihood and operational methods within NASCAR. Since the initiation of the lawsuit, Hamlin has experienced relief which allows him to shift his focus back to driving. The action is being positively received by those who wish to challenge the restrictive status quo within the sport. However, the issue is also creating waves within the racing community as the potential impacts of its outcome start to become clear.
Brad Keselowski of RFK Racing and a winner of six championships, Richard Childress, have shared their thoughts on the lawsuit. Both individuals share the consensus that their respective teams are unlikely to join the suit. Interestingly, as part of the 2025 charter agreement which they signed on to last month, their race teams were prohibited from taking any action against NASCAR. This agreement was not signed by 23XI and Front Row and was compulsorily agreed upon by most other race teams. The contract contained a clause that threatened the loss of their charters if not signed.
Childress, critically, alleged that the teams had been pressurized to conform to the contract without a choice. This claim against NASCAR’s manipulative power play was a pivotal point mentioned in the lawsuit. Despite signing the agreement, Childress does not deny NASCAR’s monopolistic tendencies. NASCAR’s lack of official response to these allegations has raised concern within the industry. According to a recent court filing, both 23XI and Front Row plan to file a preliminary injunction on the matter coming next week. Following which, NASCAR will be obligated to respond within two weeks in its filing.
Several NASCAR drivers have shared their views on the significant unfolding industry drama. Hendrick Motorsports driver, William Byron, expressed his desire to see more prosperity within the sport and relates it to the growth trajectory of other professional sports. He remains hopeful that NASCAR can match the growth rates of these other sports. Criticism over remuneration within the industry has been increasing as well. Curtis Polk, 23XI co-owner, spotlighted that driver salaries only make a fraction of revenues compared to other sports.
Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are drivers who expressed their full support to 23XI co-owners for taking legal actions. Front Row driver, Michael McDowell, who recently won a pole position, also extended his support. He showed full faith in Front Row’s efficiency and strength. However, he echoed the dissatisfaction of seeing team owner Bob Jenkins having to invest heavily to remain competitive. He perceives this necessity to spend personal wealth as a critical problem requiring resolution.
When questioned if he felt NASCAR had recognized the contributions of his team, Hamlin responded skeptically. Given this contested environment, stakeholders are eagerly waiting to see the legal steps ahead. How the lawsuit and NASCAR’s response will shape future governing policies, determine the sport’s financial viability, and affect the careers of everyone involved is the question everybody is asking. Undoubtedly, the situation is building into an intriguing, high-stakes spectacle, the likes of which has not been seen within the sport for years.
