NASCAR lawsuit: 23XI, Front Row attorney Jeffrey Kessler releases statement on Judge Bell settlement conference ruling

Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, has issued a statement after the ruling of Judge Kenneth D. Bell to hold a settlement conference with the two teams and NASCAR. Kessler said the teams are “open to a settlement” that helps the sport and fans.

“We welcome Judge Bell’s decision to bring all parties together to engage in meaningful resolution. We remain open to a settlement that genuinely benefits the sport and its fans,” Kessler said. “The goals my clients have raised are clear, and the teams have affirmed them in their own declarations. From the outset, our objective has been unwavering: to secure lasting stability and growth for every team, their employees, and the sport. It’s time for all parties to step up and deliver.”

Judge Bell has ordered a settlement conference between all parties on Oct. 21. Jeffrey Mishkin, former Chief Legal Officer of the NBA, will mediate the conference. He was the appointed mediator for the failed settlement talks in August.

Will 23XI and Front Row settle with NASCAR?

NASCAR is confident the case can be resolved before the scheduled trial on Dec. 1. The organization said that it believes both parties are in full agreement when it comes to an early resolution, but 23XI and FRM said in their response that NASCAR’s latest motion was “another effort to play to the court of public opinion.”

23XI and FRM did not sign NASCAR’s Charter Agreement last August and filed a joint lawsuit against the company and its CEO, Jim France, last October, alleging monopolistic practices. 23XI and Front Row have been racing as open teams since July and filed a preliminary injunction request to regain their charter status for the remainder of the year. Judge Bell ruled against the teams last month, noting that NASCAR agreed to leave the six charters out of 40 available pending the outcome of the case.

23XI is owned by NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, NBA legend Michael Jordan, and Curtis Polk. The team’s full-time drivers are Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst. Front Row is owned by Bob and Brad Jenkins, and the team’s full-time drivers are Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, and Zane Smith.

On3’s Nick Geddes contributed to this story.