Bubba Wallace was open to quitting 23XI Racing amidst the injunction lawsuit saga
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsport might have lost a lot their star driver according to the latest injunction appeal verdict.
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Bubba Wallace (Via IMAGO)
The 2024 Cup season was marked with the intense negotiations between NASCAR and the teams over the 2025-2031 charter deal. Things were taken to the new level, with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports suing them for monopolistic practices. The teams have recently tasted their first victory in the in the court.
They won the Injunction appeal that would allow FRM and 23XI to race as charter teams in the upcoming 2025 season. Their purchase of Stewart Haas Racing charters has also been ordered to be authenticated by NASCAR, which would allow them to field full-time cars for the new drivers they have recently signed.
In the ruling about the injunction, U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell made a major revelation, which factored in his decision to side with FRM and 23XI. Star driver Bubba Wallace had informed the team that he will leave the team if they are race as open cars in 2025. This would cause imminent harm to the team; hence the decision was made.
Other drivers have expressed similarly urgent concerns. Driver Bubba Wallace informed 23XI that he needs to know how it intends to compete ‘immediately’ so that he can explore seats with other teams.
Judge Kenneth Bell said in the verdict.
Noah Gragson and Riley Herbst’s status also has significant role in the judgement
The major issue 23XI and FRM had was Noah Gragson and Riley Herbst, their new driver signings. The duo wouldn’t have any seats for 2025, if the SHR charter purchase failed and judge considered this as something that can cause imminent harm.
23XI’s contract with driver Riley Herbst similarly requires that Herbst be provided with a chartered car, as does Front Row’s contract with driver Noah Gragson.
Judge Kenneth Bell said.
Everything isn’t settled at the moment for the teams though, despite the success. NASCAR can still appeal the decision and try to get a verdict in their favorite. It would be interesting to see how everything is going to playout in the coming years.
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Justin P Joy
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