### Judge Denies NASCAR Teams' Bid for Chartered Status in Antitrust Suit

In a significant development within the NASCAR community, a federal judge has denied the motion by two NASCAR teams, including one owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, to be recognized as chartered teams amid their ongoing antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its chairman, Jim France. This decision was rendered even as NASCAR executives were delivering their annual "State of the Sport" address at Phoenix Raceway.

The ruling, signed by Judge Frank Whitney of the U.S. District Court of Western North Carolina in Charlotte, arrived just before the weekend's first practice session for the championship, leading to a marked reaction from NASCAR officials. NASCAR President Steve Phelps opened his address by stating that there would be no media negotiations regarding charters, a stance maintained for over two years. He emphasized that 32 out of 36 charters had been extended, benefiting race teams with significant financial gains starting in 2025.

The case involves 23XI Racing, owned by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports. These teams declined a charter agreement proposed by NASCAR in September, just 48 hours before playoff commencement. These teams accused NASCAR of monopolistic practices, but their refusal led to the rescission of their charter offers. Their current charters will expire at the end of the year, leaving them to operate as open teams without the equal revenue share and guaranteed race spots provided by charter status.

Antitrust lawyer Jeffrey Kessler, representing the plaintiffs, argued for a preliminary injunction to maintain the status quo during the lawsuit. However, Judge Whitney ruled that Kessler did not sufficiently prove that 23XI and Front Row Motorsports faced imminent and irreparable harm. The judge noted that the risks presented by the plaintiffs, such as losing sponsors or drivers, were speculative and not immediate.

Judge Whitney did leave the door open for future motions should circumstances change before the 2025 racing season, requiring a potential response from the teams by December 2. As the legal battle continues, the decision underscores the complexities of revenue-sharing agreements and the challenging dynamics between NASCAR and its teams.