Judge reportedly scolds NASCAR, 23XI and Front Row camps over behavior during injunction hearing

The NASCAR lawsuit continues to enthrall the sport. Today, the two sides met in court, and things got heated. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports attorneys, as well as NASCAR’s attorneys, were warned by Judge Kenneth Bell today.

23XI Racing and Front Row are seeking a preliminary injunction to retain charter status for their six Cup Series teams. Today, evidence was shown in a hearing before the district court. It appears that things went a little beyond professional arguments.

According to Toby Christie of Racing America, Judge Bell warned the two sides. Things boiled over between NASCAR and the teams.

“Judge Bell says an order will come next week, but he cautioned both sides that he will not put up with how much sparring they did in court today at the jury trial in December,” Christie reported.

Judge Bell says an order will come next week, but he cautioned both sides that he will not put up with how much sparring they did in court today at the jury trial in December.

— Toby Christie (@Toby_Christie) August 28, 2025

There were messages read out during the hearing. That included communications from NASCAR executives as well as people like Michael Jordan and others with 23XI and Front Row. Among those conversations were “eyebrow raising comments.”

This lawsuit has only gotten uglier as it has continued. Jeffrey Kessler seems prepared to take 23XI and Front Row to trial and defeat NASCAR on their behalf. Then you have Chris Yates and his group, who appear ready to defend NASCAR in trial if they must. It’s all barrelling towards a legal confrontation this December in court.

Jeffrey Kessler releases statement after NASCAR hearing

Attorney Jeffrey Kessler briefly addressed the media outside the courthouse after today’s hearing. The NASCAR lawsuit has continued to evolve. The antitrust attorney has taken on different leagues and won, including, essentially, rewriting the NCAA NIL rules. He’s ready to go to bat for 23XI and Front Row.

“Delighted that we got our day in court today before Judge (Kenneth) Bell,” Kessler said. “I think the documents, NASCAR’s own documents, speak for themselves. I think you finally got to see them. You can see what this case is about. I think NASCAR’s arguments against those documents speak for themselves as well.

“But we are very, very happy to have had this opportunity. We look forward to Judge Bell ruling on this motion next week.”

The NASCAR lawsuit continues. Judge Kenneth Bell is still insisting that the teams and NASCAR settle this case. However, neither side appears willing to give in, and this litigation is likely headed for trial in December.