NASCAR Cup Series outfit Front Row Motorsports have announced an exciting new partnership for the 2026 season despite their ongoing lawsuit against the stock car racing series.

Front Row, along with 23XI Racing, decided to sue NASCAR last October, alleging anti-competitive and monopolistic practices after refusing to sign up to the new Cup Series charter agreement.

Since then, NASCAR and the two teams have gone back and forth on several issues in court ahead of the trial, which is scheduled to take place from December 1st.

One of the key decisions made so far, for example, was that Front Row would lose its chartered status for the 2025 season and the foreseeable future, which they had previously been granted on a de facto basis for the remainder of the lawsuit.

A charter guarantees entry into every NASCAR Cup Series points race and, crucially, a share of the prize fund. However, Front Row and 23XI were forced to finish the 2025 season without this.

Front Row Motorsports planning ahead

At present, Front Row does not hold any charters for 2026, meaning their future and entry into every single Cup Series race is not yet confirmed. This could, of course, change if Front Row and 23XI are successful in court next month, with NASCAR currently 'holding' their charters in case they prevail.

Despite this, the team are planning ahead for 2026 as usual, confirming the extension of a major new partnership this week.

In an official statement, it has been confirmed that Aaron’s Rent-to-Own has now extended their partnership with Front Row in a multi-race, multi-year agreement for the 2026 and 2027 Cup Series seasons, having returned to NASCAR on Zane Smith's No. 38.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Aaron's is a leading provider of rent-to-own and retail purchase solutions of appliances, electronics, furniture, and other home goods with nearly 1,200 locations in 47 states and Canada.

Aaron's will feature on the No. 38 on 11 occasions next season, kicking off at Atlanta Motor Speedway in February and finishing up at Charlotte Motor Speedway in November.

“The team and I are excited to have Aaron’s back with us, and in a bigger capacity too,” said Smith.

“We had some solid runs with them on the car in 2025, and I know there will be more to come in 2026.

"Hopefully we can get Lucky Dog in Victory Lane.”