NASCAR Lawsuit: 23XI, FRM fear 'drivers could abandon' teams if court denies preliminary injunction
Amid the ongoing standoff between NASCAR, and two Cup Series teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport fear that their drivers could abandon the teams next season if the court does not allow them the preliminary injunction they recently requested.
The injunction is of utmost importance for the teams, as it not only will help them to take part in the sport but also keep their drivers on the team. Emphasizing this, the teams filed a motion, where they mentioned,
"There is a risk that irreplaceable sponsors and drivers could abandon [the teams] if they have to compete as open teams and do not qualify for all their races."
23XI and FRM asked the judge for a preliminary injunction on Wednesday so that they can continue racing in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. This has come after the two aforementioned teams declined to sign the NASCAR Charter for the upcoming seasons.
They did not comply with the terms, and instead sued NASCAR, alleging that the governing body did not provide a fair bargaining opportunity to them. Their non-compliance with the Charter agreement meant that they are not allowed to compete in the sport.
However, Denny Hamlin, and Michael Jordan, co-owners of 23XI Racing, and Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsport, have filed a motion for a preliminary injunction that would allow them to compete in the sport.
The drivers who will be at risk if court denies 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport a preliminary injunction
A preliminary injunction against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport could have significant implications for the 2025 Cup Series season.
The ruling could jeopardize the seats of Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell, and Todd Gilliland. Additionally, two charters owned by Stewart Haas Racing would be at risk due to a previous agreement with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport to acquire them.