NASCAR's Big Names Ordered to Testify in 23XI, Front Row Antitrust Battle
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A US District Judge has ruled that NASCAR powerhouses Roger Penske and Rick Hendrick must undergo in-person depositions in the antitrust lawsuit between 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The decision, made by Judge Kenneth Bell, comes after the two parties refused to disclose financial information under questioning. In a previous motion, Hendrick and Penske sought to limit their testimony at the upcoming trial, scheduled to start on December 1 in Charlotte, N.C. However, Judge Bell sided with the teams, stating that the two must be available for full pre-trial depositions without restrictions on the questions. The lawsuit centers around NASCAR's new charter agreement, which was introduced at the start of the 2024 playoffs with a firm signing deadline. 23XI and Front Row argue that the terms left them with no viable choice, forcing them to compete unchartered this season with reduced prize money. This ruling is the third in as many weeks in the case, with Judge Bell previously granting the teams partial summary judgment on a critical threshold issue and dismissing NASCAR's countersuit. The case will proceed under the definition of 'premier stock-car racing,' rejecting NASCAR's argument that teams unhappy with its terms could pivot to IndyCar or Formula 1.
