Ayrton Ostly and Ellen J. Horrow, USA TODAYMon, December 1, 2025 at 4:05 PM UTC·12 min readThe 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season is over. Kyle Larson collected his second Cup Series championship with a third-place finish in Phoenix Raceway to hold off Denny Hamlin.
That's the last of the drama for the year, right? Wrong.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe biggest off-track story in the sport continues on. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports' lawsuit against NASCAR's governing body has yet to reach a resolution.
The legal battle dates back to October 2024 when NASCAR teams signed the new charter agreement for the 2025 Cup Series season. Now, the case is headed to trial.
Here's a full timeline of how things got here:
NASCAR Trial: NASCAR antitrust trial: Michael Jordan 23XI Racing team goes to court
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
Michael Jordan greets fans prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 19, 2007.
Michael Jordon high-fives the crowd during pre-race ceremonies prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to a crew member in the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 6, 2021 in Sonoma, California.
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics CBD 325 at Pocono Raceway on June 26, 2021 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 8, 2021 in Watkins Glen, New York.
NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan walks pit road with his wife Yvette Prieto during qualifying for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, 2022 in Nashville.
NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan talks with driver Ty Dillon (42) on pit road during qualifying for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, 2022.
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick's paint job with colors from UNC and sponsor Michael Jordan during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29, 2023 in Concord, North Carolina.
Team 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan looks on from pit road during qualifying before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing (R), crew chief Robert Barker (C) and former NFL player Dwight Freeney talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota, on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 14, 2023 in Las Vegas.
NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
The 2024 regular season champion, Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Upper Deck Toyota, poses with 23XI Racing's Curtis Polk, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan after the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan talk on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrate after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing speaks, to Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona.
23XI Raching team owner Michael Jordan watches Tyler Reddick during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 6, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Aug. 31, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, listens to the race on pit road during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 5, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina.
1 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
1 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
(L-R) Charlotte Bobcats President Fred Whitfield and NBA legend Michael Jordan greet Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, prior to the NASCAR Nextel Open on May 19, 2007 at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina. Michael Jordan signs his autograph on a pair of shoes for Earnhardt.
2 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan greets fans prior to the start of the NASCAR NEXTEL All-Star Challenge at Lowe's Motor Speedway near Charlotte, North Carolina, on May 19, 2007.
3 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordon high-fives the crowd during pre-race ceremonies prior to the start of the NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 22, 2010 in Concord, North Carolina.
4 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to a crew member in the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota pit area prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway on June 6, 2021 in Sonoma, California.
5 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Pocono Organics CBD 325 at Pocono Raceway on June 26, 2021 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
6 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on from the 23XI Racing pit box during the NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International on Aug. 8, 2021 in Watkins Glen, New York.
7 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan walks pit road with his wife Yvette Prieto during qualifying for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, 2022 in Nashville.8 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan talks with driver Ty Dillon (42) on pit road during qualifying for the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 25, 2022.9 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series driver Tyler Reddick's paint job with colors from UNC and sponsor Michael Jordan during the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 29, 2023 in Concord, North Carolina.
10 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Team 23XI Racing owner Michael Jordan looks on from pit road during qualifying before the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023.
11 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing (R), crew chief Robert Barker (C) and former NFL player Dwight Freeney talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway on June 24, 2023 in Lebanon, Tennessee.
12 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, speaks to Bubba Wallace, driver of the No. 23 DoorDash Toyota, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Jordan Brand Toyota, on the grid during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 14, 2023 in Las Vegas.
13 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
NASCAR Cup Series Team 23XI owner Michael Jordan watches a video board as NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace (23) races during the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
14 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
15 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
The 2024 regular season champion, Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 Upper Deck Toyota, poses with 23XI Racing's Curtis Polk, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan after the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Sept. 1, 2024 in Darlington, South Carolina.
16 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Co-owners of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin, driver of the No. 11 FedEx One Rate Toyota, and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan talk on the grid after the NASCAR Cup Series YellaWood 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on Oct. 6, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama.
17 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, walks the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
18 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, and Tyler Reddick, driver of the No. 45 The Beast Killer Sunrise Toyota, celebrate after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
19 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing speaks, to Ryan Blaney, driver of the No. 12 Menards/Richmond Water Heaters Ford, after the NASCAR Cup Series Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Oct. 27, 2024 in Homestead, Florida.
20 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 10, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona.
21 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
23XI Raching team owner Michael Jordan watches Tyler Reddick during the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway on April 6, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
22 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, looks on during the NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway on Aug. 31, 2025 in Darlington, South Carolina.
23 / 23Michael Jordan: 23 images of the NBA Hall of Famer, NASCAR team owner at races
Michael Jordan, NBA Hall of Famer and co-owner of 23XI Racing, listens to the race on pit road during the NASCAR Cup Series Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Oct. 5, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina.
Who owns 23XI Racing, and who are the drivers?
Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin own 23XI Racing along with longtime Jordan advisor, Curtis Polk. The race team fields three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series. Bubba Wallace drives the No. 23 Toyota, Riley Herbst the No. 35 Toyota, and Tyler Reddick the No. 45 Toyota. Wallace and Reddick qualified for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs but were eliminated from championship contention following the Oct. 5 race at Charlotte Motor Speedway that concluded the second round.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWho owns Front Row Motorsports, and who are the drivers?
Tennessee-based businessman Bob Jenkins, who owns a number of restaurant franchises belonging to Yum! Brands, including many KFC and Taco Bell locations, is the owner of Front Row Motorsports. FRM fields three cars in the NASCAR Cup Series: the No. 4 Ford, driven by Noah Gragson; the No. 34 Ford, driven by Todd Gilliland; and the No. 38 Ford, driven by Zane Smith.
NASCAR lawsuit timeline
Oct. 2, 2024
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR's sanctioning body and CEO Jim France. The lawsuit argues that NASCAR presented a take-it-or-leave-it deal to the teams on Sept. 6, 2024, giving them until 6 p.m. to sign or risk not having a charter for the 2025 Cup Series season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBoth teams say in a statement that NASCAR operates without transparency and unfairly benefits from the sport at the expense of fans, drivers, owners and sponsors.
Nov. 4, 2024
The two sides meet in a courtroom to decide whether or not the two teams can race in 2025 without signing the charter.
Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing wanted a clause in the new charter agreement that would waive the prohibition on signees bringing antitrust action against NASCAR, so they could race in 2025. NASCAR argued that the charter was no longer available to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports because they brought a lawsuit.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNov. 8, 2024
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports' injunction request is denied. Judge Frank Whitney ruled that it was too soon for both teams to meet the standards of harm that would justify the request.
Nov. 26, 2024
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file a new preliminary injunction request, providing examples of how both teams could lose their drivers and sponsors without being guaranteed a charter for the 2025 season. Both teams were in the process of gaining a third charter from the downsized Stewart-Haas Racing team for the 2025 season. The new request included those acquisitions as a potential harm done without the injunction.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDec. 2, 2024
NASCAR motions to dismiss the lawsuit. The sanctioning body argued it is not a monopoly in stock car racing and that NASCAR does not want to work with the two teams because of the suit. NASCAR also indicated it would not allow the two teams to acquire a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing without accepting the new charter agreement.
Dec. 12, 2024
Both teams argue NASCAR backtracked on initial approval for acquiring a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. NASCAR reiterated its original request to dismiss the lawsuit and stated both teams were now seeking more than what was in previous filings. As such, it should be viewed as a new motion.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementDec. 16, 2024
The teams and NASCAR agree on a Jan. 10 deadline for initial disclosures. NASCAR asked for discovery to be completed by Oct. 17; the two teams asked for that to be completed by July 18.
Dec. 18, 2024
Judge Bell grants 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports their preliminary injunction request.
Bell, who took over on the case in early December from Judge Whitney, rules that both teams can race with their original two charters in 2025 as the lawsuit continues. He cites the possibility of losing drivers as a clear reason to grant the request. Bell also found that NASCAR holds monopoly power in stock car racing.
Driver Tyler Reddick (second right from right) poses with 23XI Racing co-owners Curtis Polk (left), Denny Hamlin (second from left) and Michael Jordan (right) after winning the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series regular-season championship.Dec. 23, 2024
Judge Bell rules that both Front Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing be approved for a third charter acquired from Stewart-Haas Racing but in different ways. NASCAR had to approve Front Row Motorsports' acquisition, but 23XI Racing had to ask the court specifically for the charter purchase to be approved by NASCAR in a separate motion.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJan. 10, 2025
Judge Bell denies NASCAR's motion to dismiss the lawsuit, stating, "this case is going to be tried this year, and deserves to be tried this year."
Bell also denied NASCAR's motion to have both teams post bond in excess of $10 million for each of their cars. NASCAR had argued for that in case it won the lawsuit and was entitled to damages, but Bell reasoned the sanctioning body could ask for damages at a later date.
Feb. 12, 2025
NASCAR files its appellate brief to the injunction that allows 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to operate as charter teams while suing NASCAR for antitrust violations.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNASCAR argued that the two teams are not likely to succeed on the merits of the case, reiterating that 13 of 15 teams signed the charter agreement, there are other racing options 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could join and the NASCAR Cup Series can't be the defined "market" when it comes to antitrust issues.
March 5, 2025
NASCAR files counterclaim, stating 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports violated antitrust laws during negotiations for a new charter agreement. These claims include that the teams colluded to get better terms, and 23XI Racing co-owner Curtis Polk tried to boycott a qualifying event.
Chris Yates, lead attorney for NASCAR in this case, stated that they believe the two teams misused antitrust laws to force a renegotiation.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMarch 14, 2025
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports file response to NASCAR's brief to appellate court on Feb. 12, which opposed the judge allowing the teams to operate charters while suing NASCAR for antitrust violations.
March 26, 2025
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports motion to dismiss NASCAR's March 5 counterclaim, arguing there's no evidence of an attempted boycott and that teams work together in negotiations, just like in other sports.
April 9, 2025
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports subpoena Formula 1 as well as NFL, NBA and NHL teams to provide evidence on how other sporting bodies and their teams operate.
Aug. 23: Ryan Blaney celebrates winning the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.
Aug. 16: Austin Dillon celebrates after winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.
Aug 10: Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.
Aug. 3: William Byron (24) celebrates after winning the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.
July 27: Bubba Wallace and his wife Amanda celebrate with the trophy on the yard of brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after winning the Brickyard 400.
July 20: Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware.
July 13: Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.
July 6: Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the Grant Park 165 at Chicago Street Race.
June 28: Chase Elliott celebrates in victory lane after winning the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway.
June 22: Chase Briscoe celebrates winning The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.
June 15: Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates winning the Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
June 8: Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
June 1: Ryan Blaney celebrates after winning the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee.
May 25: Ross Chastain celebrates after winning the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
May 11: Kyle Larson celebrates winning the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway.
May 4: Joey Logano celebrates after winning the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.
April 27: Austin Cindric celebrates in victory lane after winning the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.
April 13: Kyle Larson celebrates winning the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.
April 6: Denny Hamlin celebrates with his Joe Gibbs Racing crew after winning the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.
March 30: Denny Hamlin celebrates after his win at the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.
March 23: Kyle Larson celebrates with his son after winning the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida.
March 16: Josh Berry celebrates after winning the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
March 9: Christopher Bell celebrates winning the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway.
Feb. 23: Christopher Bell celebrates winning the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
Feb. 16: William Byron, center, celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.1 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
Aug. 23: Ryan Blaney celebrates winning the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.1 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
Aug. 23: Ryan Blaney celebrates winning the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway.2 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
Aug. 16: Austin Dillon celebrates after winning the Cook Out 400 at Richmond Raceway.3 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
Aug 10: Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International.4 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
Aug. 3: William Byron (24) celebrates after winning the Iowa Corn 350 at Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa.5 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
July 27: Bubba Wallace and his wife Amanda celebrate with the trophy on the yard of brick at Indianapolis Motor Speedway after winning the Brickyard 400.6 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
July 20: Denny Hamlin celebrates in victory lane after winning the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway in Dover, Delaware.7 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
July 13: Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway.8 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
July 6: Shane van Gisbergen celebrates after winning the Grant Park 165 at Chicago Street Race.9 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
June 28: Chase Elliott celebrates in victory lane after winning the Quaker State 400 at EchoPark Speedway.10 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
June 22: Chase Briscoe celebrates winning The Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania.11 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
June 15: Shane Van Gisbergen celebrates winning the Viva Mexico 250 at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.12 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
June 8: Denny Hamlin celebrates after winning the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway.13 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
June 1: Ryan Blaney celebrates after winning the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon, Tennessee.14 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
May 25: Ross Chastain celebrates after winning the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.15 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
May 11: Kyle Larson celebrates winning the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway.16 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
May 4: Joey Logano celebrates after winning the Wurth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway.17 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
April 27: Austin Cindric celebrates in victory lane after winning the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway.18 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
April 13: Kyle Larson celebrates winning the Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.19 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
April 6: Denny Hamlin celebrates with his Joe Gibbs Racing crew after winning the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway.20 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
March 30: Denny Hamlin celebrates after his win at the Cook Out 400 at Martinsville Speedway.21 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
March 23: Kyle Larson celebrates with his son after winning the Straight Talk Wireless 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead, Florida.22 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
March 16: Josh Berry celebrates after winning the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.23 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
March 9: Christopher Bell celebrates winning the Shriners Children’s 500 at Phoenix Raceway.24 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
Feb. 23: Christopher Bell celebrates winning the Ambetter Health 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.25 / 25Every NASCAR Cup Series race winner of 2025 in photos
Feb. 16: William Byron, center, celebrates winning the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway.May 9, 2025
A three-judge panel hears the appeal by NASCAR to an injunction ruling on Dec. 18, 2024 allowing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to race as chartered teams in 2025 while this legal battle plays out.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJune 5, 2025
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rules in favor of NASCAR and revokes the Dec. 18 injunction. The judges note in their ruling that there is no precedent for this case and the teams’ antitrust argument "is not supported by any case of which we are aware."
They also reason that there's no indication that the teams will likely be successful in their lawsuit.
June 17, 2025
In a hearing for a motion to throw out NASCAR's counterclaim of collusion, the teams' attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, outlines the teams are looking for:
NASCAR divestment of racetracks it also owns, currently 20 on the Cup Series calendar
NASCAR to no longer prohibit Cup tracks to run similar stock car races
NASCAR to no longer prohibit Next Gen cars to be used in non-NASCAR events
Insure two teams can compete as chartered teams going forward
Financial damages to be tripled
June 18, 2025
In a new filing for NASCAR's March 5 counterclaim, NASCAR asks for chartered teams in the Cup Series grid to turn over financial documents, calling some of these "critical to NASCAR's defense."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJune 20, 2025
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports ask for a rehearing following the June 5 appeals court ruling overturning the injunction, which allowed them to compete as chartered teams during the 2025 season.
June 25, 2025
Judge Bell denies 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports' motion to dismiss NASCAR's counterclaim, stating that the sport had done enough to continue its counterclaim. But he also narrowed the amount of financial information other chartered teams had to provide NASCAR.
July 9, 2025
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit hears the two teams' argument for reversing the June 5 decision, which would revoke their charters during the 2025 season, and denies their request.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJuly 14, 2025
Ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race at Dover Motor Speedway, the two teams looked for a potential way to remain chartered and decided on filing for a restraining order and new preliminary injunction.
The teams argued NASCAR informed them they'd "immediately move to sell or issue Plaintiffs’ charters to other entities," which could keep the teams from getting their charters back.
July 17, 2025
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are denied a temporary restraining order to keep NASCAR from revoking their chartered status and are forced to compete as open teams for upcoming races at Dover and Indianapolis. The teams each have had three cars with chartered status this season, but that status expired after the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed an earlier injunction.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJuly 22, 2025
Judge Bell sets an Aug. 28 hearing on a new motion from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport for an injunction to keep them chartered for 2025. Bell writes in his order that NASCAR has represented to the court that the teams will be guaranteed spots in races and that NASCAR will not sell nor transfer the charters in question until a ruling on the injunction.
Front Row motorsports driver Zane Smith (38) and Noah Gragson (4) practice ahead of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 14, 2025.Aug. 19, 2025
NASCAR files response to the teams' motion that they return to chartered status for the rest of the 2025 season. NASCAR states in its filing that it must start the process of selling those charters immediately, and 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports should be forced to return the money awarded to them as chartered teams for the first half of the 2025 season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAug. 25, 2025
In filings in advance of an Aug. 28 hearing for a new injunction requested by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to retain their charters, NASCAR says it plans to issue a charter to an unnamed team for the 2026 season. The teams said in their own filing that if the charters they had earlier this year are sold, they would shut down "following the 2025 Cup Series season."
The teams’ filing also alludes to "smoking-gun documents that admit NASCAR viewed competitive entry as a threat" and "internal NASCAR documents with top executives describing how NASCAR used its monopoly power to impose a one-sided" charter agreement.
Sept. 3, 2025
Judge Bell denies the preliminary injunction request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports seeking to remain chartered teams following an Aug. 28 hearing, ruling they would not suffer irreparable harm.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementNASCAR tells the court it won't change any rules that would keep 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports from missing the final nine races of 2025 and it would leave at least six charters available in case it loses at trial.
Oct. 3, 2025
NASCAR files a motion for summary judgment, making a final attempt to get the case dismissed before the scheduled December 2025 trial. In its motion, NASCAR submits statements from several NASCAR team owners and executives supporting the charter system and urging the litigation be resolved in a way that "does not put the sport at risk" and "before any real damage is done to the sport."
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports attorney Jeffrey Kessler issues a statement saying the teams are willing to have settlement talks and that the owners’ statements support their case.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementOct. 21, 2025
Judge Bell orders the two sides to work on a settlement conference which begins on the 21st. Two days of settlement talks yield little results.
Oct. 23, 2025
In a big win for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, Judge Bell throws out NASCAR's countersuit filed back on March 5. Bell says in his decision that the teams “did not engage in an unreasonable restraint of trade.”
That decision opens the door to the trial only covering the initial lawsuit filed by the two teams.
Nov. 4, 2025
The two teams get another major win as Judge Bell ruled that NASCAR is the market definition of "premier stock-car racing." Previously, NASCAR had stated the two teams could've taken their business to other series if they were unsatisfied with the terms of the charter.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn Judge Bell's decision, he found that NASCAR controls the market and their argument the teams could go elsewhere is moot.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Latest timeline of 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports lawsuit vs NASCAR
AdvertisementAdvertisement
