Brad Keselowski referred to the current state of NASCAR as a “soap opera,” given the federal antitrust lawsuit filed against it by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Amidst increasing legal fees and the potential for significant changes to NASCAR as we know it, the championship playoffs are also in progress, showcasing a highly competitive semifinal lineup.
With this backdrop, let’s dive into your questions before more developments arise.
What will NASCAR look like in five years? — Steve F.
The future of NASCAR largely hinges on the outcome of the lawsuit from 23XI and Front Row. Should NASCAR win, it’s probable that the sport will remain largely unchanged. The expectation is that the schedule will remain familiar, while NASCAR’s efforts to penetrate new markets could lead to additional international races in places like Mexico, Canada, and perhaps South America.
In five years, NASCAR will also be nearing the end of a media rights agreement signed last fall with Fox, NBC, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Amazon. The Next Gen car will have been in competition for eight years by then, prompting NASCAR to start considering what its next media rights deal might entail. With the rapidly evolving landscape of television and streaming, it’s uncertain what that will look like. Historically, NASCAR leadership will have likely begun or will soon initiate the development of its next car design.
Speaking of leadership, who currently leads NASCAR? Is it the present chairman and CEO Jim France, aged 79, or his nephew Ben Kennedy, a senior executive positioned to succeed him? Any shift in leadership beyond France could be significant, potentially steering the sport in a new direction.
If 23XI and Front Row succeed with their lawsuit against NASCAR, the ramifications are unclear, as it’s unpredictable how the case will progress. Could a settlement lead to the France family selling its ownership stake to an external buyer? Might teams gain more authority or even ownership rights, similar to the former CART series? Is it possible that NASCAR would have to provide teams with substantial financial compensation?
Virtually anything seems possible.
Do you believe 23XI and Front Row Motorsports can still qualify for the playoffs if they lose their charters? — Quinn M.
Yes, 23XI and Front Row could still qualify for the playoffs even if they operate as “open” entries without charters. Their eligibility remains unchanged regardless of their charter status, though the payout would significantly decrease. This situation bears watching as it unfolds.
Both 23XI and Front Row have demonstrated that they are capable of playoff-level performance. However, without charters, they wouldn’t compete on an equal footing with other charter teams, as funding directly correlates to speed. By potentially losing millions in revenue, the owners of 23XI and Front Row would need to be prepared to cover financial deficits themselves to sustain their competitive edge or risk falling behind.
Can 23XI and Front Row navigate this challenge? Certainly. However, it won’t be a simple or low-cost endeavor.
Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan, and 23XI Racing have announced plans to operate as an “open” team next year if their charter is revoked. (Chris Graythen / Getty Images)
