23XI Racing, the NASCAR Cup Series team co-owned by Michael Jordan, could lose their chartered status within days following a major blow in court.
23XI, along with fellow Cup Series outfit Front Row Motorsports (FRM), sued NASCAR last October alleging anticompetitive and monopolistic practices after refusing to sign up to the series' new charter agreement.
Crucially, however, the teams were granted an injunction in December that would allow them to compete as chartered teams in 2025 due to a clause in the charter agreement that prohibits teams from suing NASCAR.
NASCAR appealed that decision, and in June, a three-judge appeals panel sided with the series, overturning the injunction.
This left 23XI and FRM facing the prospect of losing their charters, and the tens of millions of dollars that come with them. However, the teams appealed, confirming that they would seek a full rehearing on the matter.
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23XI and FRM face losing NASCAR charters
The outcome of that appeal has now emerged, with 23XI and FRM denied a rehearing by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday.
This now means that both teams could lose the chartered status for all of their cars within seven days, ahead of next weekend's action at Dover Motor Speedway.
“We are disappointed by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals decision to deny our request for a full rehearing,” Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, said in a statement.
“This decision has no bearing on the strength of our antitrust case, which we look forward to presenting at trial.
"We are committed to racing this season as we continue to fight for more competitive and fair terms for all teams to ensure the future of the sport, and remain fully confident in our case.”
Of course, all of this is a part of the wider ongoing lawsuit, which is set to hit court on December 1.
For now, all eyes are now on NASCAR to see if they do indeed strip the teams of their charters.
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