Judge Orders Settlement Conference Oct 21 in NASCAR Antitrust Case

U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell has ordered the parties in the high profile antitrust dispute between NASCAR and two of its teams to attend a settlement conference on Oct. 21 as the case heads toward a December trial, a court filing and subsequent motions show. The move follows weeks of dueling requests from NASCAR and plaintiffs 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports over how mediation should proceed and comes amid separate court activity on summary judgment motions that could narrow or dispose of the case before jury selection.

The suit began in October 2024 after 23XI, coowned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and Front Row declined to sign a revised charter agreement for 2025–31 and sued, alleging that NASCAR’s charter system and related practices unlawfully stifle competition. Charters guarantee entry in the Cup Series field and a share of revenues; NASCAR and many team owners say the system has created substantial equity in the sport since 2016. The trial is scheduled to start Dec. 1, 2025, though recent filings and hearings leave the timing uncertain.

NASCAR has pressed for a court-led settlement process, arguing a judicial settlement conference could help parties...