Jul 12, 2025; Sonoma, California, USA; Vehicles line up before the start of the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Sonoma Raceway. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
July 17, 2025 | 7:34 PM EDT
The legal battle between NASCAR and two of its teams has reached a pivotal moment, with millions of dollars in charter value hanging in the balance. As 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) fight for their right to compete, NASCAR has revealed that multiple teams from other racing series are already eyeing their charters.
Which Teams Are Interested in Buying 23XI Racing and FRM’s Charters?
Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing and Bob Jenkins’s Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, accusing the organization of “monopolistic practices.” The teams also requested a preliminary injunction to maintain their charter status while the lawsuit continues.
The legal journey has been a rollercoaster. Initially, the injunction request was granted, giving the teams temporary relief. However, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals later revoked that decision. This setback prompted the teams to appeal once again, ultimately leading them to file a temporary restraining order to preserve their charter status.
The stakes are significant. Both teams hold three charters each, meaning NASCAR must sell six total if the restraining order request is denied. Ahead of this crucial decision, the teams have claimed that NASCAR is already attempting to sell those charters to potential buyers.
NASCAR has resisted these allegations in its response to the restraining order request. However, their statement revealed something interesting about the level of interest in these charters.
As reported by The Daily Down Force, NASCAR stated: “Although based on the false premise that Plaintiffs have Charters, and notwithstanding the substantial interest in Charters from motorsports companies racing in INDYCAR, Xfinity, and other series, NASCAR has represented it will not sell any Charters before the Court can rule on Plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction.”
This statement has sparked speculation about which teams might be positioning themselves to enter NASCAR. From the existing Cup Series landscape, Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club has shown interest in acquiring additional charters, making them a logical candidate.
The Xfinity Series connection points to several possibilities, with Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports standing out as a prime candidate. The team made its Cup Series debut this season with Justin Allgaier behind the wheel for the Daytona 500. This move could signal Earnhardt’s plans to establish a full-time Cup Series presence.
Could IndyCar Teams Make the Jump to NASCAR?
The IndyCar angle presents intriguing possibilities. Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing emerges as a strong contender, especially considering their recent challenges. The team faces potential changes following their fallout with BMW in IMSA competition.
Team owner Bobby Rahal has already hinted at NASCAR ambitions, stating they are “exploring a potential NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series program.” This statement about their NASCAR interests suggests they might be ready to make a bigger commitment to stock car racing.
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing isn’t the only IndyCar organization eyeing NASCAR expansion. Andretti Global previously discussed the possibility of entering the NASCAR Cup Series, making them another potential suitor for available charters.
Meanwhile, both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports continue preparing for the possibility of competing without charter protection. They have completed the paperwork to race as open teams at Dover and Indianapolis, ensuring they can compete regardless of the court’s decision.
The outcome of this legal battle will determine not only the fate of two established NASCAR teams but also potentially reshape the competitive landscape as new organizations from other racing series position themselves to enter America’s premier stock car racing championship.
