Driver and owner at RFK Racing, Brad Keselowski, has revealed his stance on the current antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. He hinted that his team won’t get involved in the legal battle as his focus lies on improving the sport.
The controversy made headlines in the last few days as both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports accused NASCAR of monopolistic practices under the France family’s leadership. The lawsuit has the potential to bring transformative changes to the sport’s structure, sparking widespread discussion and varying opinions from insiders across the racing world.
The lawsuit was filed after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports rejected NASCAR’s final charter proposal during last month’s meeting at Atlanta Motor Speedway. After two years of negotiations, the key issue was NASCAR’s refusal to grant permanent charters, prompting the teams to take legal action.
The lawsuit claims that NASCAR, still under the private control of the France family, has created an anti-competitive monopoly in stock-car racing. The allegations are backed by numerous examples throughout the sport’s history, with two prominent incidents dating back to the 1960s cited as key evidence.
KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – SEPTEMBER 28: Brad Keselowski, driver of the #6 Solomon Plumbing Ford, looks on during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Hollywood Casino 400 Presented by ESPN BET at Kansas Speedway on September 28, 2024 in Kansas City, Kansas. Brad Keselowski’s RFK Racing won’t be joining the legal battle against NASCAR.
Sean Gardner/Getty Images
During the NASCAR weekend at Talladega, Keselowski spoke to the media about the lawsuit. He said about his first reaction to the news:
“Took a deep breath and said, ‘Alright, I guess that’s where we are.’
“Obviously, we aren’t a part of this. We are but we’re not, right? Because anyone who is part of the garage is a part of it whether you want to be or not. So, see what happens, right?”
The RFK owner then stated that his team won’t be joining 23XI Racing and Front Row in the legal fight against NASCAR. He said:
“There’s always going to be fighting over the piece of the pie and all of that.
“The reality is, we want to grow the sport as a whole, I know that’s where my head’s at. I can’t control anything else that happens outside of my own world, but I can do whatever small part possible to grow NASCAR and motorsports as a whole and that’s really where my focus is.”
All that Keselowski wants in the end is “peace.” He added:
“Just want peace.
“What I want is for our entire industry to become laser-focused on growing the sport, and to have incentives that connect to where we all win when that happens.”
Teams like RFK Racing might be staying out of the lawsuit as they see little immediate benefit. If 23XI and Front Row win, all teams benefit from improved conditions. If NASCAR prevails, those uninvolved avoid backlash.
