23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports and NASCAR reached a settlement on Dec. 11 in the antitrust lawsuit the two NASCAR Cup Series teams brought against NASCAR, ending what ultimately became a nine-day trial in North Carolina court that began on Dec. 1.
Following the announcement of the settlement, NASCAR, 23XI and FRM released a joint statement regarding the end of the trial, along with specific quotes from multiple players in the lawsuit, from 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan to NASCAR Chairman/CEO Jim France.
Below, check out those statements.
Read all of Frontstretch’s content covering the NASCAR vs. 23XI/FRM antitrust lawsuit here
Michael Jordan
“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees and fans. With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come.
“I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”
Jim France
“This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948. We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series.
“Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come. We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams and race tracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.”
Denny Hamlin
“I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am. That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand. We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry.
“Teams, drivers and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and now it is time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves.”
Curtis Polk
“My goal as a member of the Team Negotiating Committee was to help create an economic model that would create a more sustainable model for teams and create a more equitable and transparent system within NASCAR. This settlement achieves significant progress toward the Four Pillars. The result brings NASCAR and the chartered teams into better alignment and supports future growth and sustainability for all stakeholders and a better sport for the fans.”
Bob Jenkins
“After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we’re headed. I love this sport, and it was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers and sponsors fairly and kept the competition strong. With this change, we can finally build long-term value and have a real voice in NASCAR’s future. I’m excited for the road ahead — for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands and everyone who loves this sport.”
NASCAR/23XI/FRM Joint Statement
“NASCAR, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment.
“This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world. The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.
“With this matter now resolved, all parties look forward to working together, alongside all chartered race teams, to deliver world-class events, dynamic sponsorship and partner activation opportunities, and continued growth for generations to come.
“As a condition of the settlement agreement, NASCAR will issue an amendment to existing charter holders detailing the updated terms for signature, which will include a form of “evergreen” charters, subject to mutual agreement. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released.
“What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential. This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter, and its possibilities are greater. We extend our sincere thanks to Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin for their professionalism, and guidance throughout this process and to their jury for their time.”
Rick Hendrick
“Millions of loyal NASCAR fans and thousands of hardworking people rely on our industry, and today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters – the future of our sport. For more than 40 years, NASCAR racing has been my passion. I believe deeply in what we can accomplish when we work together. This moment presents an important opportunity to strengthen our relationships and recommit ourselves to building a collaborative and prosperous future for all stakeholders. I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s ahead. When our industry is united, there’s no limit to how far we can go or how much we can grow the sport we love.”
Roger Penske
“Today’s settlement is tremendous news for the industry. We are stronger together as a sport and the agreement today allows all of us to focus on what’s important, the continued growth of NASCAR. The sport has never been more competitive and today’s resolution provides the entire industry with a platform that strengthens our business and allows us to continue to entertain our millions of passionate fans in a unified way.”
Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.
At his day job, he's a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio -- you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.
“We’ve reached an agreement. The charters are evergreen, and everyone is singing Kumbiya now. Nothing else to see here… Let’s go racing’, y’all!”.
Really? As usual, the lawyers are the only real winners here.
Yep. Meanwhile, they have an on track product which verges on unwatchable. I can stomach many things in motorsport, but I can no longer handle the planned cautions and arbitrary method of determining a champion.
Keeping my eyes peeled for a new rules package, but sure looks like I’ll be taking a hiatus from watching NASCAR. Oh well. Plenty of other things to do or watch.
How long is this going to take?
Looks like the financial fallout will be kept confidential, which is a shame. Have to guess 23XI/FRM got much of what they were asking for.
Now, let’s fix the on track product.
They can probably keep the financials confidential, but I’m not sure how they can keep how the charters will work confidential.
So my big questions are, is Nascar still a monopoly? If so, what are the benefits of the teams settling other than the charters? If they aren’t a monopoly, what is changing?
Like some else mentioned, plenty of kumbaya talk (Rick Hendrick bowing down to Nascar and signing the charter agreement and then acting like he played a part in this is laughable), but not a lot of details that I’m sure the fans will be clamoring for in the next few weeks.
We agree all around. The charter information as well as other nuts and bolts will be public, with details already coming to light. I’ll remain curious just how much NASCAR paid 23XI and FRM to make this go away.
I think what the details of the charter agreement look like, and whether NASCAR ceases with non-compete clauses for tracks and teams will be keys in determining whether NASCAR is still open to future anti-trust litigation. Logic says they touched the stove, got burnt, and will learn their lesson. But logic has fueled few NASCAR decisions of late.
Hendrick, and even more so JGR have been annoying throughout. They bent the knee, and when it became apparent 23XI and FRM were making real progress, Hendrick and JGR said “hey, us too!”.
As I’ve yammered about ad nauseam, I don’t see where any of this improves things from a fan perspective. Time will tell whether this serves as a wake-up call when it comes to the product, and whether changes will be made to make the sport watchable again.
Agreed. I don’t think fans care so much about charters as they do about changing the playoffs, ending the stage breaks, and putting a good product on the track.
I’m interested to hear how Nascar found out about Childress looking into selling his team if there was NDA’s signed on it. It appears their court battles are far from over.
I also thought I heard that Tyler Reddick sued Nascar. Or was it 23XI because his contract stated he was to be a chartered team, which he wasn’t for the last half of last season?
The Childress revelation was wild! It was clear RC was not amused that came to light, and though I’m no RC fan, he 100% has good reason to be upset. Potential sponsors will likely think twice before signing anything with RCR, knowing the team may be on shaky ground.
I believe the deal with Reddick was he filed a notice of breach of contract with 23XI, due to as you noted, a clause in his contract. I think that was more a “I can leave, you know” than anything else. I’d be curious to know whether he can still leave, since the contract was breached, but now has returned to the agreed upon terms.
Agree on all points above , …
Just glad it’s over, and Amazed the fossil Jim France was unearthed, what a power grubbing man.
The testimony on one supplier replacement parts was hilarious… Big Boys got caught in their little tricks, all around and they had no choice but to give in or lose, it seems to me.
Holding breath on new championship format..Eek!
Another question I have is will the Frances have to answer to the IRS for the fraud they committed with Nascar paying their taxes? Or is that actually considered legal?
You are probably right about Reddick. Not sure how that will shake out. Maybe making Reddick whole is part of the agreement. We may never know.