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  Debate

Debate

Is NASCAR's grip on the sport stifling fair competition and threatening drivers' futures?

Tyler Reddick might have made it to the final 4 and won the regular season championship; however, his future at 23XI Racing is on shaky ground. As a fierce courtroom battle unfolds between his team and NASCAR, Reddick is unsure if he will be with 23XI next year. Despite his impressive success this season, Reddick’s tenure with the team may hinge on whether they can hold onto a coveted NASCAR charter for next season. Without it, he—and the sponsors that fuel the 23XI Racing machine—might be free to leave.

23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin and backed by Front Row Motorsports, claims that NASCAR’s current business practices are anti-competitive and monopolistic. They allege that NASCAR, led by the France family, maintains a tight grip over stock car racing in the U.S. by buying up most premier racetracks and making exclusive deals to keep competitors out. Now, with an anti-trust lawsuit in motion, there is a chance that the two teams might lose and miss out on a charter deal. So what does that mean for Tyler Reddick?

Tyler Reddick’s future hangs in balance as 23XI Racing and FRM go to war with NASCAR

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The stakes in 23XI Racing’s lawsuit against NASCAR just got higher, with Tyler Reddick’s future on the line. As Bob Pockrass noted, “Reddick and 23XI sponsors can leave if they run as an open team.” Without a charter for next season, Reddick could be free to walk away, which would be a huge blow for 23XI.

Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports pressed this point, saying, “If we do not have a charter, [Reddick] is free to leave.” Now that 23XI Racing has taken such a huge step, there is a chance that they will lose out on sponsors and their star driver.

Meanwhile, NASCAR’s attorney defended the new charter system, pointing out that “nearly half of the broadcast revenue goes to the teams,” arguing that the model benefits everyone. But 23XI sees NASCAR’s control as monopolistic, alleging that the organization’s grip on tracks and supplier deals limits fair competition.

With NASCAR pushing back to prove fairness within the sport, 23XI Racing and FRM have everything on the line. The two teams decided not to sign the charter and that has led them into a situation where 2025 seems like a risky year for them. Although the team is dealing with the legal drama, Tyler Reddick has his head in the right place.

What’s your perspective on:

Is NASCAR's grip on the sport stifling fair competition and threatening drivers' futures?

Have an interesting take?

The driver is now in the finals and is up against Team Penske’s Joey Logano and defending champion Ryan Blaney, along with Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron. With just one weekend left, Tyler Reddick is gearing up for one of the most important races of his life. With that said, let’s take a look at what he has going on in his mind.

Will Tyler Reddick win the 2024 Cup Series Championship?

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As Tyler Reddick prepares to take on the Championship 4 at Phoenix, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the driver of the No. 45 Toyota for 23XI Racing. Reddick has proven he can lead, finishing the season with three wins and becoming the regular season champion. He’s got the pace, especially since he’s coming off a strong regular season.

However, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows for Reddick. This is his first appearance in the Championship 4, and it’s also the debut of his crew chief, Billy Scott, at this level of pressure. Reddick’s history at Phoenix is a mixed bag; while he has some impressive performances at other tracks, his best Cup finish at Phoenix is just third place.

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“Phoenix is not one of my better tracks,” he acknowledged, hinting at the challenge that lies ahead. With all his victories this season coming at longer tracks, there’s a question mark over how well he’ll adapt to the 1-mile oval.

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The uncertainty surrounding Reddick’s performance at Phoenix might give his rivals an edge. “Cup is a different level,” Reddick knows, and facing off against seasoned drivers like Blaney and Logano, who have been in this situation before, might prove daunting. Logano is a two-time winner in 2018 and 2022 while Blaney is the defending champion looking to keep his crown. William Byron has also been one of the most consistent drivers of these playoffs, with his last six finishes reading: 2nd, 3rd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 6th! Impeccable showing from the HMS #24.

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As Reddick gears up for the race, all eyes will be on whether he can channel his potential into a historic championship run or if the pressure of the moment will prove to be too much. Do you think he will become the first 23XI Racing Cup Series Champion?

 

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