The conflict between 23XI Racing and NASCAR’s charter issue has been simmering for over a year now. Earlier this year, 23XI, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign the agreements for 2025–2031, arguing the system’s unfair, giving too much control to NASCAR. Then came the preliminary injunction, which was eventually overturned. But while everyone, inside and outside the case, cannot wait for the December trial to finally end this drama for good, the resolution could take even longer.

Over time, the legal fight has grown increasingly complicated, where the teams and NASCAR fighting left and right, each trying to pull the other down and justify their side. The tension highlights how much is at stake. But while all these moves point toward the December trial, veteran reporter Bob Pockrass explains it could be delayed further.

Why December might not see the end of the charter lawsuit drama

The trial, set to start on December 1, 2025, will finally put the teams’ claims to the test. Bob Pockrass recently said on Kevin Harvick’s Happy Hour podcast, “Well, that’s up to the judge to decide. There will be a trial, assuming they get to trial, and it’ll be in front of a jury in December. The jury can award monetary damages, I believe, but anything that would break up the monopoly is the judge’s decision. So both sides would propose options.”

In other words, the jury might decide if 23XI is owed money. Barring that, any bigger shake-ups to the charter system would come from the judge. The December trial is where theory meets reality for 23XI and FRM, and even NASCAR in some ways. But even after a verdict, the story isn’t over.

Pockrass mentioned that such cases have a habit of extending longer. “If 23XI wins, the judge would then make that decision after recommendations from both sides, and at that point…there will be appeals, and it will probably take at least another six months to a year.” 

While both teams are expected to appeal the verdict, Pockrass mentioned that there would be clear favorites in that case. “If NASCAR wins, I think it’ll be a lot harder for 23XI to win, probably on appeal, but you would assume they will try.” The case could easily stretch into 2026, leaving the teams, fans, and sponsors in a prolonged state of uncertainty.

A win for 23XI Racing could change how charters are awarded and how revenue is split among teams. A NASCAR victory would reinforce the current system. This would see guaranteed entry spots and rules in place. Either way, the outcome will affect not just the two teams but also the competitive and financial landscape of the sport.

For now, though, alongside Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing, their drivers’ fates also hang in the balance. In fact, a lot could happen to these star drivers depending on how the verdict goes.

Pockrass discusses the future of Denny Hamlin’s drivers

The drama around 23XI Racing isn’t just about courts and charters. It’s playing out in the garage as well. Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace are driving under a cloud of uncertainty. Reddick, who won the regular-season title last year, is seen as a hot commodity. Meanwhile, Wallace has shown frustration on the track as the off-track situation drags on.

Reddick has options, but timing is everything. Other teams know what he can do, and the question is whether he wants to wait out 23XI’s fate or jump ship. Wallace, on the other hand, has fewer clear paths forward. His talent is obvious, but the combination of limited seats and the timing of 23XI’s trial means his choices might be more constrained.

On the podcast, Bob Pockrass laid out the scenario perfectly. “I think Tyler Reddick certainly has opportunities. People see a lot of potential. If it doesn’t go 23XI’s way, he still would have suitors who would bump up his salary.” According to Pockrass, the choice isn’t simple. Staying loyal could pay off, but there’s a real chance Reddick might consider other opportunities given the demand for him.

Wallace’s situation is murkier. Pockrass was far less optimistic when talking about the Crown Jewel winner’s future. “Bubba? I’m not so sure about him. I think he could find a place, but I don’t know that he’d have the options Tyler Reddick does.” It was clear that the spotlight sines a lot brighter on one of 23XI’s star drivers. With the legal fight likely extending into 2026, both drivers face months of uncertainty. Their team structure could look very different once the court finally rules.