NASCAR makes surprise rule change after stripping charters from 23XI, FRM amid court battle

While 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have no charters, NASCAR has made a rule change regarding future races. It is unclear why NASCAR would make this rule change now, but it might be a bit of goodwill from the series amid the ongoing lawsuit.

Jeff Gluck of The Athletic reported on the rule change. An update shows that NASCAR is now able to limit entries to a particular race to only 40 cars. The rule, if enacted, would also lock in Open Teams based on Team Owner Points standings.

“NASCAR, at its sole discretion, may elect to limit the number of entries for a race to 40. In such instances, Open Teams will be determined based on the Team Owner Points standings.”

In other words, NASCAR can now limit the field to prevent 23XI and FRM from missing races. There is also an update that says, “Up to six Open Teams will be eligible for starting grid positions based on the highest ranked Team Owner Points standings.”

There is also an update to he Open Exemption Provisional. NASCAR has made a rule change there but by elimnating wording rather than adding anything in. It essentially clears up the language used in one section to make the wording fit the new additions.

This is an interesting rule book update just now. NASCAR has a new policy where they can limit the number of entries to 40. Then another new rule where the top Open cars in owner points would get those spots. This would prevent 23XI or Front Row from missing a race this season if… pic.twitter.com/kqligcBAGb

— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) July 21, 2025

This is a move that will possibly help NASCAR in their argument against 23XI and FRM, at least, when it comes to the latest request of the preliminary injunction. They can now show that there is no threat of the teams losing out on a race due to not qualifying. So, it reduces the possible harm that is being done to the teams.

It is another reminder that officials can more or less change the rules at will. Most of the rules include a provision that states NASCAR has the discretion to do as they please.

NASCAR rule change could keep 23XI, FRM unchartered

Due to a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports lost charter status last week ahead of Dover. A preliminary injunction from last December had granted the teams charter status and made NASCAR approve the sale of charters from Stewart-Haas Racing to each team.

So, now that those injunctions are voided, there are questions about the charters. Do 23XI and FRM even own the two charters they each had in the 2024 season? The old injunction granted them charter status, not actual charters. At least, that’s the argument NASCAR is making. As for the Stewart-Haas charters, those are likely more complicated to deal with.

We will likely see a ruling this week on the newly requested injunction. Could NASCAR’s rule change sway the court to not grant the injunction? This case continues to be headed for trial later this year.