NASCAR has recently brought on board well-known attorney Chris Yates to handle the antitrust lawsuit initiated by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
Yates, esteemed for his legal expertise with high-profile clients like the U.S. Soccer Federation and UFC, now takes on the significant task of defending NASCAR against serious allegations related to monopolistic practices in the stock car racing world.
According to court filings in 23XI/FRM case, NASCAR will be represented by Chris Yates, a noted attorney whose client list includes the U.S. Soccer Federation, the UFC, World Aquatics, Fanatics, the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 8, 2024
The lawsuit claims that NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France, are unlawfully monopolizing the premier stock car racing scene, leaving racing teams at a disadvantage. This follows the refusal of the two teams to accept NASCAR’s proposed charter agreement. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports assert that NASCAR’s actions primarily enhance its own interests at the expense of competitive balance within the sport.
In their collective statement, the teams expressed:
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“I’ve always been a fierce competitor, and that drive fuels me and the entire 23XI team each week on the track. I cherish racing and our fans, but the current state of NASCAR is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans alike. Today’s actions reflect my commitment to creating a competitive market where everyone benefits.”
NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, added:
“It’s pretty straightforward. The most successful sports globally recognize that when teams thrive, fans win too, and everyone who contributes to the sport’s success deserves a fair share. With the right steps forward, we can achieve that in racing.”
Michael Jordan also weighed in, stating:
“It’s well-known that my competitive spirit drives the 23XI team week in and week out. I’m passionate about racing and our fan base, but the present NASCAR framework is unfavorable to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. I am committed to advocating for a market that benefits everyone.”
Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports, emphasized:
“After 20 years in the racing community, I take immense pride in our team’s accomplishments. Yet, change is necessary. We need a fairer, more competitive system that rewards teams, drivers, and sponsors for our investment, akin to models in other professional sports leagues.”
By securing Chris Yates, NASCAR appears serious about its legal defense. Should the plaintiffs succeed in their quest for more equitable conditions, it might result in considerable changes within NASCAR and could shape regulatory standards in motorsports overall.
So far, NASCAR hasn’t issued any official comments regarding the lawsuit.