Major Consequences of Brad Keselowski’s Warning to NASCAR Confirmed by Insider

NASCAR is no stranger to controversies, but the ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has shaken the sport’s foundation. The legal battle stems from disputes over the charter and revenue-sharing agreements, with teams alleging NASCAR of being monopolistic.

The lawsuit’s implications extend beyond the immediate dispute. While most teams signed agreements before the 2024 playoffs, 23XI Racing and FRM chose to challenge the system legally. Recently, NASCAR driver and team owner Brand Keselowski called this lawsuit a threat to the sport. Now, NASCAR insider Bob Pockrass also revealed that the result of this lawsuit could have a tremendous impact on the basics of the sport.

Why does Brad Keselowski find the anti-trust lawsuit threatening?

Recently, in a candid conversation with Kelly Earnhardt Miller on Business of Motorsports, Keselowski spoke about the potential ramifications of the anti-trust lawsuit. He emphasized that the outcome could affect not just the Cup Series but the entire ecosystem of the sport. “Well, I would say there’s one A and one B that are the two biggest threats for me. One is whatever falls out of the charter lawsuit dispute between 23XI, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR. That is a significant threat to all of NASCAR, which transcends the Cup Series,” Keselowski told Kelly. Notably, this comes after the district court’s judgment to allow the third charter for both FRM and 23XI.

While the lawsuit remains under consideration, this decision ignited a ray of hope among other NASCAR teams. Notably, a win for FRM and 23XI will surely allow other teams to get a better term sheet from NASCAR. Reflecting on this NASCAR insider, Bob Pockrass gave his assessment of Keselowski’s warnings. In a recent conversation with Beating and Banging, he said that the anti-trust lawsuit might redefine the basic structure of the sport.

When asked about Keselowski’s remarks, Pockrass explained, “I don’t know about a threat as much as the potential impact of the way the sport is run… They (teams) see that (fixed cost of next-gen cars) as a key element. They don’t have the next-gen car and that way (if NASCAR loses lawsuit) the teams can spend you know as much money or as little money as they want on a car.” Pockrass’ comments reflect that despite agreeing to the latest charter terms, many NASCAR teams are eagerly awaiting the result of the lawsuit. Notably, teams currently operate under a fixed-cost model controlled by NASCAR. If the lawsuit leads to changes, teams might gain the flexibility to allocate resources as they see fit, potentially reshaping competitive dynamics.

Meanwhile, Pockrass further revealed that NASCAR is even considering operating without a charter, making every team a free agent. “You know, during the hearing the other day, NASCAR would be willing to go without Charters totally. So, I think that is uncertainty probably is you know what has people wondering okay will this lawsuit have a big impact or no. It may have very little impact depending on what the result is, but it does have the potential to change a little bit of the way the sport is run,” he further added.

Notably, NASCAR announced the charter system in 2016 before the Daytona 500 event. The goal was to reduce costs and increase profits. The Charter system guarantees entry into every NASCAR Cup Series points race. It also makes teams eligible for financial benefits from the organizing body. However, if a charter team fails to maintain the performance standard, NASCAR has the right to terminate the contract. Things took a sharp turn in 2024 when NASCAR announced a new charter policy for upcoming seasons. While details are not in the media, many reported that NASCAR reportedly capped teams at a maximum of three charters. However, it grandfathered Joe Gibbs Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. Some charter rules upset Michael Jordan, co-owner of 23XI Racing, and FRM. This dissatisfaction led to the antitrust lawsuit.

Recently, the district court asked NASCAR to recognize 23XI Racing and FRM as charter teams, ensuring their participation in the 2025 season. While this solved the temporary issues, NASCAR filed for a review petition. The hearing, scheduled for May 2025, will be pivotal in determining the sport’s trajectory.

FRM continues to rope in multiple sponsors!

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While the lawsuit looms large, Front Row Motorsports (FRM) has made strategic moves to strengthen its position. The team recently inked multiple sponsorship deals for the upcoming season. FRM’s third charter will have two new sponsors, Speedy Cash, and TitleMax. They will be the primary sponsor for Zane Smith in four races each. Speedy Cash will make its debut at the Clash at Bowman Gary Stadium, while TitleMax will appear at COTA in Austin, Texas.

Notably, Zane Smith will drive the No. 38 car after the team secured a new charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Team officials have placed their bid on Zane to succeed at Cup level. “We want to welcome Zane back to Front Row Motorsports. He brought us our first championship and we believe that he can win in the NASCAR Cup Series, too,” team owner Bob Jenkins said when his return was announced last year.

In another significant development, FRM has partnered with Zep to sponsor Noah Gragson’s No. 4 Ford Mustang. Zep will sponsor two races as a primary partner and support all FRM vehicles as an associate sponsor. Gragson will drive the Zep-backed No. 4 Ford Mustang at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway in the Coke Zero Sugar 400.