On the ninth day of NASCOURT, a settlement was officially reached between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR. While the financial terms and specifics of the agreement will remain confidential, both parties confirmed in a joint statement that they have agreed to institute “Evergreen” Charters for every Charter holder in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Here is the NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports joint statement:
NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment.
This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world. The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.
With this matter now resolved, all parties look forward to working together, alongside all chartered race teams, to deliver world-class events, dynamic sponsorship and partner activation opportunities, and continued growth for generations to come.
As a condition of the settlement agreement, NASCAR will issue an amendment to existing charter holders detailing the updated terms for signature, which will include a form of “evergreen” charters, subject to mutual agreement. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released.
What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential. This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter, and its possibilities are greater. We extend our sincere thanks to Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin for their professionalism, and guidance throughout this process and to their jury for their time.
Jeffrey Kessler, the lead attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, confirmed that both teams will have their Charters restored heading into the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
“As part of today’s resolution, 23XI’s and Front Row Motorsports’ charters have been returned for the 2026 season,” Kessler said.
Michael Jordan expressed pride in achieving a deal that builds equity in NASCAR Cup Series teams through Evergreen Charters, and he hopes that this can allow all stakeholders of NASCAR to build and grow the sport together.
“From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans,” Jordan explained. “With a foundation to build equity and invest in the future and a stronger voice in the decisions ahead, we now have the chance to grow together and make the sport even better for generations to come. I’m excited to watch our teams get back on the track and compete hard in 2026.”
Denny Hamlin expressed that his love for the sport of NASCAR is what powered him to pursue change within the team ownership model.
“I’ve cared deeply about the sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I’ve ever known, and this sport shaped who I am. That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challenges that came with taking this stand,” Hamlin stated. “We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers, and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished, and now it is time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves.”
Bob Jenkins, the owner of Front Row Motorsports, says his confidence in the direction of the sport grew tremendously following Thursday’s settlement agreement.
“After more than 20 years in this sport, today gives me real confidence in where we’re headed. I love this sport, and it was clear we needed a system that treated our teams, drivers, and sponsors fairly and kept the competition strong. With this change, we can finally build long-term value and have a real voice in NASCAR’s future,” Jenkins said. “I’m excited for the road ahead—for the people in the garage, the folks in the stands, and everyone who loves this sport.”
While Jim France, NASCAR’s Chairman, opposed Evergreen Charters throughout the negotiating period of the 2025 Charter negotiations, he feels the ultimate outcome provides flexibility to all stakeholders heading into the 2026 season.
“This outcome gives all parties the flexibility and confidence to continue delivering unforgettable racing moments for our fans, which has always been our highest priority since the sport was founded in 1948,” France said. “We worked closely with race teams and tracks to create the NASCAR charter system in 2016, and it has proven invaluable to their operations and to the quality of racing across the Cup Series. Today’s agreement reaffirms our commitment to preserving and enhancing that value, ensuring our fans continue to enjoy the very best of stock car racing for generations to come. We are excited to return the collective focus of our sport, teams, and racetracks toward an incredible 78th season that begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.”
Thursday’s settlement followed a masterful Wednesday performance by Kessler, who took Jim France, John Probst, and Greg Motto to task with his brilliant line of questioning.
While there had to be optimism on NASCAR’s side that they could shift the opinion of the jury as they started to present their case with their list of witnesses on Wednesday, there was a real sense that the day ended in disaster.
Another witness never took the stand.
Thursday was a strange day at the federal courthouse in Charlotte, NC, as the court started even earlier than the already early start time of 8:30 AM ET.
Shortly after 8:00 AM ET, Judge Bell entered the courtroom and brought the jury out. As the jury took their seats, Judge Bell instructed them not to get too comfortable.
Judge Bell explained to the jury that they had a matter to address that would take roughly an hour to button up, but that he felt it would save the jury several hours in the long run.
Just as quickly as the court began, we were in a one-hour recess. That one hour turned into a two-hour break, and as all parties returned to the courtroom, Kessler announced to Judge Bell that both sides had come to an agreement on a settlement.
After being presented the agreement at roughly 10:30 AM ET, Judge Bell informed the jury that the trial had concluded. One juror jokingly asked if they would still be paid for Friday, which elicited a round of laughter in the court.
Bell thanked the jury for being studious as they took in the case, and he dismissed the jury.
As they stood, another juror danced on their way back to the juror chamber.
With the jury out of the room, Judge Bell then thanked both sides for coming to an agreement that he felt should have been made two months prior, and that he was personally pleased by the agreement. It was Judge Bell’s opinion that the agreement would drastically improve NASCAR, the industry, and would improve the experience for the fans.
After an eight-day legal battle in a federal courtroom in Charlotte, North Carolina, the case of NASCAR v. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports officially reached a settlement.
And somehow, the NASCAR trial of the century that looked destined to roll past the expected end date of Friday, December 12, ended before the estimated end date originally set by Judge Bell.
One Response
I will give NASCAR a chance to show new changes. I will not root for Front Row or 23XI cars or drivers . I will not root for Denny Hamlin because of his 23 XI connection, but his attitude. As for Michael Jordan I hope he does not throw his popularity to screw something else up.