23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports Narrow Lawsuit Against NASCAR
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have decided to partially dismiss their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, reducing the scope of their complaint just weeks before the trial scheduled on December 1.
On Thursday, attorneys for 23XI and FRM asked the court to drop their claims under Section 1 but maintain those under Section 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. Section 2 accuses NASCAR of violating the law through unilateral actions.
Focus on NASCAR's Unilateral Conduct
The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted in 1890, prohibits monopolistic and anti-competitive business practices. By dropping the Section 1 claims, the lawsuit now targets NASCAR's individual behavior rather than its collaborations with the International Speedway Corporation (ISC) to dominate the racing industry.
Bob Pockrass of FOX summarized the situation on X (formerly Twitter):
"The attention of the NASCAR aficionados now shifts to December 1."
Upcoming Trial and Key Witnesses
The 2026 NASCAR season will open with the Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway on February 13. Meanwhile, legal proceedings continue as Judge Kenneth D. ruled that Roger Penske, owner of Team Penske, and Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, may be crucial witnesses in the trial.
Last Wednesday, Bell stated:
"The two automotive tycoons could be valuable witnesses during the upcoming trial."
These developments underscore the evolving legal battle between 23XI Racing and NASCAR.
Author’s summary: 23XI Racing and FRM have focused their antitrust lawsuit solely on NASCAR's unilateral actions, with key automotive leaders poised to testify in the trial starting December 1.