Less than a day remains before NASCAR’s antitrust lawsuit begins its jury trial after a year of pretrial and settlement talks. The Denny Hamlin-Michael Jordan co-owned 23XI teamed up with Front Row Motorsports to take the fight to the NASCAR management, accusing the sport of monopolistic practices in the stock car racing market.
In turn, the sport claims that it has given teams sufficient freedom to compete in rival series, allowing them to earn money from various sources. While the out-of-court weights tip in the complainants’ favor, a veteran insider has just detailed what would happen if the ultimate verdict lands in NASCAR’s favor.
Veteran NASCAR Insider Spells Doom for 23XI/FRM in Case They Lose the Lawsuit
The last few months have been disastrous for NASCAR, with each new development putting them in a weaker position in the public eye. To make matters worse for management, their text conversations regarding Hamlin’s SRX series participation and the Richard Childress-related discussions became public knowledge, giving the complainants even more ammunition.
The management has since maintained radio silence, with many feeling that they have dug a hole too big to crawl out of. However, another side of the story could narrate that the silence shouldn’t be taken as a sign of weakness.
It could still mean that NASCAR doesn’t want to show its cards just yet and that 23XI/FRM could be in for a huge shock in the courtroom. Should that happen, the jury might ultimately rule in the sport’s favor, and veteran Journalist Bob Pockrass has just detailed what the future might hold in that scenario.
Speaking on the ‘Sky View Sports Podcast,’ Pockrass detailed a grim possibility for 23XI and FRM. He claimed that both teams will continue to race as open teams, especially since FRM is committed to racing through 2026.
Meanwhile, 23XI has vowed to pay its employees through the 2026 season, no matter the outcome of the lawsuit. While Pockrass isn’t sure of what their obligations to their sponsors are, he is certain that if 23XI loses, they will appeal in a higher court.
What followed was a grim reality check for 23XI, as Pockrass doesn’t see them competing in 2027. “The question is just how much longer can they can they go. And I would not expect them to be racing in 2027 if they lose this case. I would expect that their charters would be sold.”
Pockrass senses that the charters that both these teams once possessed will be sold to others, and the new organizations could tap into both teams’ arsenal to purchase their equipment and personnel. As a follow-up punch, 23XI drivers Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick could also ask to be let go from the roster, so that they can find a seat elsewhere on the grid.
Pockrass revealed that several teams on the grid have been particularly interested in acquiring the services of Reddick, but the driver has chosen to stay put in 23XI. However, the NASCAR insider added that if 23XI loses and doesn’t run well at the start of the 2026 season, there could be some quick changes to the team.