NASCAR has confirmed the acquisition of renowned attorney Chris Yates to represent them in the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
Known for his work with eminent clients like the U.S. Soccer Federation and UFC, Yates now faces the challenge of defending NASCAR against serious allegations of monopolistic practices within stock car racing.
According to court filings in 23XI/FRM case, NASCAR will be represented by 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 suit accuses NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France, of unlawfully monopolizing premier stock car racing to the detriment of racing teams. This development follows a significant refusal by the two teams to agree to NASCAR’s proposed charter arrangement. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, argue that NASCAR’s actions mainly serve to bolster its own interests, sidelining teams and disrupting the competitive balance.
A joint statement from the two teams claims:
Riley Herbst, driver of the #98 Monster Energy Ford, Chandler Smith, driver of the #81 Wheelers Toyota, and Sammy Smith, driver of the #8 TMC Transportation Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Xfinity Series United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 05, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. NASCAR’s legal representation was revealed in court filings.
Chris Graythen/Getty Images
“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”
NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, commented:
“It’s actually pretty simple in my opinion. When I look around, I see that the best and most competitive sports in the world understand that when teams thrive, fans benefit, and that everyone who invests in making the sport a success should share fairly in that success. With the right changes, we can certainly make that a reality in racing.”
Michael Jordan amplified the issue, stating:
“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track. I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans. Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”
Bob Jenkins, owner of Front Row Motorsports, also explained:
“I have been part of this racing community for 20 years and couldn’t be more proud of the Front Row Motorsports team and our success. But the time has come for change. We need a more competitive and fair system where teams, drivers, and sponsors can be rewarded for our collective investment by building long-term enterprise value, just like every other successful professional sports league.”
NASCAR’s choice of Chris Yates indicates a committed legal defense. Should the plaintiffs’ demands for fairer conditions succeed, it could lead to significant operational changes within NASCAR and potentially influence regulatory standards across the sport.
NASCAR has not officially commented on the lawsuit at this time.
