Another development in the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit continues with accusations against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Jim France and his racing series are accusing the teams of making “false statements,” regarding harm they will face as unchartered teams.
The NASCAR lawsuit has taken many twists and turns in the last few months. Lately, it appears that the sanctioning body has the upper hand. Now, they are looking for another big win in the proceedings.
Today, attorneys for the Defendants, Jim France and NASCAR, made a motion for an order to show cause. They want the court to force 23XI and FRM to prove that they didn’t make false statements in December 2024.
“Defendants … move for the Court to issue an Order to Show Cause why 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, Inc. (collectively ‘Plaintiffs’) and their counsel should not be sanctioned for making false statements in December 2024 declarations and manufacturing evidence that they submitted to the Court in support of Plaintiffs’ Second Motion for a Preliminary Injunction. NASCAR has also asked the Court to strike portions of Jerry Freeze’s errata sheet.”
Attorneys included multiple pieces of evidence. However, it is largely redacted. Messages from Rod Moskowitz, agent for Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace, and Corey Heim are included. There are also messages from Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI, Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row, and Jerry Freeze, the GM of Front Row.
NASCAR is accusing an unnamed attorney for 23XI and Front Row of writing emails to others to write emails to 23XI. They also claim a similar situation happened with Bob Jenkins, “Front Row’s owner.”
In other words, NASCAR is saying that 23XI and Front Row artificially manufactured evidence and statements that it submitted to the court in order to receive a preliminary injunction last year.
Team attorney responds to NASCAR accusations
In response to the filing today, 23XI Racing and Front Row attorney Jeffrey Kessler released a statement. Of course, the Plaintiffs are denying the accusations from NASCAR.
“This is yet another baseless distraction intended to try to divert the Court’s attention from the overwhelming evidence that demonstrates that Jim France and NASCAR have been operating an unlawful monopoly that has hurt not just my clients, but all of stock car racing.”
The lawsuit is ramping up. We are headed straight for the December 1 trial. Right now, the teams are on their back feet a bit.
If the court sanctions the teams, it will be a major hit. There can be serious penalties for making false statements to a court of law. So, let’s see how this shakes out.
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