UPDATE: Statements on the ruling:
NASCAR: “We respect the Court’s decision, though we respectfully disagree with its legal reasoning. Our priority remains resolving this matter quickly so all parties can focus on Championship weekend and continuing to grow the sport. Should a resolution not be reached, we intend to appeal the decision at the appropriate time.”
Teams’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler: “We are thankful for Judge Bell’s thoughtful consideration of the facts and the law, and his decision to grant Summary Judgment in my clients’ favor against the NASCAR counterclaim. Today’s decision has only reaffirmed my clients’ unwavering pursuit of a more fair and equitable sport. Their determination remains strong as we continue our efforts for a resolution that benefits everyone – teams, drivers, employees, partners and fans.”
ORIGINAL POST: Judge Kenneth Bell dismissed NASCAR counterclaim against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in a summary judgement ruling on Tuesday.
The ruling states: “The Counterclaim asserts that rather than the 2025 Charters being ‘fair and balanced,’ NASCAR is the alleged victim of an ‘illegal cartel’ made up of all the Cup Series racing teams, who collectively forced NASCAR to pay too much to the Teams through unlawful ‘joint negotiations.’ On June 23, 2025, the Court denied [the teams’] Motion to Dismiss the Counterclaim, allowing it to proceed through full discovery.
Now before the Court is the Counterclaim Defendants’ Motion for Summary Judgment on the Amended Counterclaim, Doc. No. 215. For the reasons discussed briefly here and more fully below, the Court will GRANT the motion and dismiss the Counterclaim.”
The Court says that NASCAR failed to establish an agreement to unreasonably restrain trade and that they failed to ‘sufficiently establish that it suffered the required ‘antitrust injury’ as a result of the negotiations.
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For previous posts and information, see the 2024 Antitrust Lawsuit page.