The ongoing lawsuit between NASCAR and two of its Cup teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, has taken another sharp turn. A federal judge recently dismissed NASCAR’s counterclaim against the teams, saying that NASCAR hadn’t shown any proof of an “unreasonable restraint of trade” or any antitrust harm caused by the Race Team Alliance’s collective stance.

The case, which centers on allegations of monopolistic control and unfair charter practices, continues to loom large as the sport approaches its 2025 Championship weekend. Despite the legal tension, NASCAR President Steve Phelps has recently emphasized that the organization remains committed to resolving the dispute “through cooperation, not confrontation.”

Steve Phelps pushes for unity

Recently, while speaking with the press, NASCAR President Steve Phelps delivered a firm defense of the sanctioning body’s position and the France family’s stewardship of the sport. “In each of the past two years, I’ve sat here and told you the same thing. Healthy race teams are critical to our sport, and we’ve been true to our word from the outset,” Phelps said, referring to NASCAR’s ongoing efforts to secure long-term financial stability for team owners.

As ESPN reported in June 2025, the new charter framework, slated to replace the 2016 model, includes more than $3 billion in guaranteed payments to teams and locks in the charter system through 2039, marking one of the most significant structural overhauls in the sport’s modern era. The deal, as Phelps emphasized, was designed to enhance the “enterprise value” of each charter, now estimated at around $1.5 billion total, and to give teams greater long-term security in sponsorship and competition.

The commissioner also underscored that guaranteed starting positions remain central to NASCAR’s economic model, calling them “the best billboards in sports.” This echoes previous sentiments from executives and team owners who recognize how charter guarantees drive sponsorship deals.

Charters have become essential assets, and teams like 23XI and Trackhouse have reportedly seen valuations rise by nearly 10x since 2016. The introduction of the Next Gen car in 2022, combined with the 14-year charter extension, was intended to balance parity and profitability, though the lawsuit has raised concerns that the sport’s governance still favors NASCAR’s control over team independence.

Phelps didn’t shy away from invoking NASCAR’s origins, firmly defending the France family’s historic role in the sport’s creation and continued growth. “The France family started NASCAR in 1948 using their own resources, grit, and ingenuity,” he said.

“They have taken countless personal and financial risks, invested billions of dollars, and untold hours into growing this sport.” Indeed, the France family’s imprint on NASCAR is immeasurable, from Bill France Sr. establishing the sport’s governing body in Daytona Beach to Brian France’s leadership through the mid-2000s media boom.

The France family still holds full private ownership of NASCAR, allowing for centralized governance but also sparking tension with team owners seeking greater transparency and revenue sharing, an issue now front and center in the current legal battle.

Reaffirming his commitment to the teams despite the ongoing litigation, Phelps stressed that the charter system was “created with and for the teams,” signaling a desire to protect its structure amid external scrutiny.

This statement aligns with NASCAR’s public filings that portray the charters as “franchise-like assets,” granting owners long-term viability without ceding sanctioning control. The league’s current defense strategy hinges on the notion that NASCAR’s independent control over scheduling, rules, and licensing is essential to maintain fairness and consistency across the grid, something that could be disrupted by external ownership or team-led governance changes.

Finally, Steve Phelps addressed the ongoing lawsuit directly, acknowledging its tension but striking an optimistic tone. “Although we prefer this lawsuit was never brought to us, we remain confident in our case before a jury and, if necessary, before the circuit,” he stated.

“We remain optimistic that we can continue to work towards a resolution that allows us to return our focus to racing.” This statement follows months of public back-and-forth between NASCAR and 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin, whose team alleges antitrust violations and unfair leverage in the charter negotiation process.

As for Hamlin himself, the situation on the victory stage could be awkward if he wins. He will meet the same NASCAR leadership he’s been fighting outside the tracks. When Bob Pockrass asked him if this would be a problem, he said, “No, I don’t think so. I’ve got respect for all those guys, and obviously it’s a totally different issue than what we’re fighting on the racetrack this weekend.” So it seems like both parties are keeping the mutual respect despite their legal differences.

The lawsuit has drawn comparisons to landmark antitrust cases in sports, including those involving the NFL and UFC, where league control clashed with participant equity. Court clouds hover, but Charlotte Motor Speedway flips the lights.

Charlotte Speedway sparks holiday magic

Speed Speedway Christmas hits year six, presented by Atrium Health. November 21 through January 4 (closed Christmas Eve), crews string over five million twinkles.

Four-mile drive-thru weaves fresh displays, Jingle Jungle, Magical Garden, and immersive worlds through the legendary oval. Christmas Village glows Thursday through Sunday. Local vendors rotate, treats flow, photo spots line expanded lit trail. Santa’s Garage hosts Cook Out pics, infield screens roll Elf, Polar Express on 16,000-square-foot SpeedwayTV weekends.

Thrill calls at Cook Out Tubing Hill, 250-foot slope, open village nights. Slide the holiday cheer. Opening night, Infield House Project aims state record for coolers stacked. Join the fun online.

First trip or family staple, Speedway Christmas packs the car with tunes, lights, joy, and winter wonder at America’s Home for Racing. Lawsuit lingers, but lights shine. Phelps preaches team health; Charlotte spreads season cheer. Racing pauses, magic rolls.