Rick Hendrick reacts following major NASCAR settlement with 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports

The NASCAR antitrust trial has reached a settlement. Team owners like Rick Hendrick have celebrated the mutual agreement between the parties involved. Hendrick now has four permanent charters in the Cup Series, charters that will rise in value now, thanks to today’s settlement.

While most teams opted not to join this lawsuit, they will reap the rewards of it. At least, when it comes to permanent charters. That was the big ask the teams kept pursuing in negotiations, and NASCAR would not concede. There were other concessions made that will change the charter agreement.

Rick Hendrick is one of the most successful and storied team owners in the sport. He is happy to see this come to an end. As are most NASCAR fans.

“Millions of loyal NASCAR fans and thousands of hardworking people rely on our industry, and today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters – the future of our sport,” Hendrick said in a statement. “For more than 40 years, NASCAR racing has been my passion. I believe deeply in what we can accomplish when we work together.

“This moment presents an important opportunity to strengthen our relationships and recommit ourselves to building a collaborative and prosperous future for all stakeholders. I’m incredibly optimistic about what’s ahead. When our industry is united, there’s no limit to how far we can go or how much we can grow the sport we love.”

Hendrick Motorsports stayed out of this. However, Rick Hendrick and all the other owners can thank 23XI Racing and Front Row. Those charters are only going to go up in value.

Rick Hendrick optimistic about future of NASCAR

The stability that permanent charters give to teams is going to change NASCAR. It might not be overnight, but it will be in time. Rick Hendrick has spent more than 40 years in the industry. The new agreement and charter situation is going to ensure that Hendrick Motorsports has an opportunity to exist for years to come.

Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin were happy with the settlement, obviously. We won’t know the full terms of the settlement. However, we can assume there is a large sum of money being given to the teams.

“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 said in a statement released to the media. “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.”