Judge reveals timeline for ruling on preliminary injunction request in NASCAR lawsuit

After the preliminary injunction hearing today in federal court, the judge has set a timeline for a decision in this NASCAR lawsuit. The hearing today was the first step that could allow the organizations to race as chartered teams in 2025.

With this injunction, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports would be able to sign the charter agreement. However, they would not have to give up their antitrust claims, as the section of the agreement that pertains to antitrust would be waived for the duration of this lawsuit.

Both sides made their arguments in writing and in person. It appears that the judge needs to deliberate further on the preliminary injunction request. A decision in the NASCAR lawsuit will come by Friday of this week. Right before the Championship 4 race in Phoenix.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports was in court and reported the decision to delay the ruling.

No ruling on the injunction hearing today. Possibly by Friday.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 4, 2024

Arguments were made by both sides today. There were no phones or recording devices allowed inside of the courtroom. However, a number of media members were in the courthouse throughout the proceedings.

On interesting note from the hearing, there is a concern for 23XI Racing. If they are forced to compete as open teams, Tyler Reddick and a number of sponsors can choose to leave the team. That would do untold damage. Reddick is racing for a championship this weekend at Phoenix.

Michael Jordan speaks out on NASCAR lawsuit

Following today’s preliminary injunction hearing in North Carolina federal court, Michael Jordan gave a statement to the media. The 23XI Racing co-owner has been through litigation before. But this time he is going up against NASCAR.

No decision was made on the preliminary injunction today. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are seeking an injunction that would allow them to operate as chartered teams in 2025 for the duration of and pending the results of the lawsuit.

Michael Jordan looked cool and collected after the hearing. He has a driver racing for a Cup Series championship this weekend. Why wouldn’t he be?

“No, I’ve been in situations of disparity,” Jordan said, via Jeff Gluck of The Athletic. “I think the race team’s going to focus on what they have to do this weekend, which I expect them to. I think Jeffrey did an unbelievable job today, and I think, hey I put all my cards on the table, I think we did a good job of that. I’m looking forward to winning a championship this weekend, though.”