2311 Racing LLC et al v. National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC et al, Case Number 3:2024cv00886 gets underway in the United States Western District of North Carolina courthouse today with Judge Kenneth Bell presiding.
What the case is about:
23XI and Front Row sued NASCAR in October 2024, claiming the sanctioning body behaves as a monopolist -using its charter system, supplier contracts, exclusive track agreements, and “take-it-or-leave-it” contracts to suppress competition and limit teams’ commercial freedom.
The teams argue that those rules restrict their ability to compete freely, negotiate better deals, or explore outside opportunities – everything from parts suppliers to track access – even though a charter is basically their “franchise license.”
They also say revenue-sharing and charter renewal terms are unfair under the new 2025 agreement, and that NASCAR’s total control violates antitrust laws.
On the flip side, NASCAR contends the lawsuit is just a fallback for teams unhappy with the deal they rejected – that the charter system, single-supplier parts, and exclusivity are standard business practices to maintain stability in the sport.
What’s happens today:
Jury selection and opening statements start today. Jury selection is expected to take most of the morning. Once the jury (6 members and 3 alternates) is picked, the process will begin with opening statements – limited to 75 minutes for each side. If that is completed today, the sides will move on to questioning witnesses.
Both sides have submitted hundreds of exhibits (documents, internal communications, supplier/track agreements).
The jury will decide if NASCAR’s control amounts to an unlawful restraint of trade under the Sherman Antitrust Act.
Possible outcomes:
If 23XI/Front Row win: NASCAR may be forced to overhaul the charter and supplier-control system – potentially allowing teams more independence, free market for parts/tracks, looser exclusivity rules. NASCAR could be forced to sell off tracks.
If NASCAR wins: The charter system is likely to stays in its current form. The teams could be allowed to buy their charters back from NASCAR but could be forced to shut down.
Settlement: Still considered to be a possible outcome, the sides could come together to reach an agreement and have the trial stopped. A settlement can happen at any point in the process.
Regardless: expect an appeal — the loser is likely taking this to the next court level, which could drag the fight well into 2026 and beyond.
We will have daily recaps of the process and updates as needed.
For previous posts and information, see the 2024 Antitrust Lawsuit page.