In the latest development in the NASCAR lawsuit, the sanctioning body has formally asked the court to hold a judicial settlement conference, signaling growing urgency to resolve the high-profile NASCAR antitrust lawsuit before it reaches trial.
NASCAR is seeking an orderly way to reach a compromise that could help the organization avoid a ruling threatening the structure of its charter system.
While several charter teams have shown interest in ending the dispute, 23XI Racing, co-owned by Michael Jordan, remains hesitant about changing the mediation process at this stage.
NASCAR Seeks a Court-Led Solution Amid Ongoing Tensions
In a recent filing with the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, NASCAR pushed for the introduction of a court-led settlement process.
“The parties’ readiness to resolve this matter, along with the interests of others in the sport and the Court to see this case resolved, suggest a judicial settlement conference would be a meaningful way to facilitate a settlement.”
The filing adds that both sides have shown a willingness to talk, but progress has stalled.
“The parties have indicated a willingness to resolve this case and have attempted to do so through mediation and settlement conferences. Other Charter holders have now indicated that they desire that this litigation be resolved.”
By proposing a judicial settlement conference, NASCAR hopes to bring in a judge who can help direct the talks and offer insight into how a jury might interpret the complex NASCAR antitrust case. The move follows months of unsuccessful private mediation and rising concern from non-litigant teams who fear a full-blown trial could destabilize the sport’s financial structure.
NASCAR argues that having a judge as mediator, speaking directly to 23XI/FRM/NASCAR ownership, that the judge can better explain/carry more weight in explaining strengths/weaknesses of their case and all the consequences/risks of going to trial and help settle the case. https://t.co/NXK1k7yOBb
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 7, 2025
However, it’s still up to the court to approve NASCAR’s request. Judges in this district sometimes order settlement conferences at this stage, after discovery has closed and before trial, but only when both sides show genuine readiness to negotiate.
23XI Racing Pushes Back on NASCAR’s Settlement Approach
While NASCAR portrays the motion as a proactive effort, 23XI Racing, the Michael Jordan NASCAR team co-owned with Denny Hamlin, has resisted the idea. Their attorneys argue that replacing the current mediator with a judicial officer could undo progress already made in private discussions. Both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports prefer to keep working with mediator Jeffrey Mishkin, who’s familiar with the details of the dispute.
Their stance is that continuity is essential if a deal is to be reached before the trial. Still, several charter teams not directly involved in the lawsuit have voiced frustration, urging a resolution to avoid long-term damage to NASCAR’s charter business model, which defines team ownership rights, guaranteed entries, and revenue sharing.
Michael Jordan’s Balancing Act in the Antitrust Lawsuit
Back in August, Michael Jordan made his position clear while addressing the 23XI Racing NASCAR lawsuit.
“I look forward to going down to the fire. If I have to fight this to the end, for the betterment of the sport, I will.”
At the same time, he left the door open to compromise.
“We’ve always been open to a settlement. Always have been. We’ve never taken that off the table.”
Jordan’s dual stance, defiance mixed with diplomacy, perfectly captures where the case stands today. NASCAR’s latest motion might represent the final opportunity to avoid a high-stakes trial that could reshape the business of stock car racing.
As the December deadline looms, one thing is clear: this NASCAR lawsuit isn’t just about contracts, it’s about control, stability, and the future direction of the entire sport.
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