NASCAR appears ready to stand its ground in a landmark antitrust case after hiring one of the top defense attorneys in the industry.
Earlier this month, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports sued NASCAR for operating as a monopoly over the sport and forcing teams into unfair financial terms as a result.
It’s a case with the potential to change stock car racing in America, though NASCAR seems equipped to fight this case with a top sports lawyer defending it in court.
Chris Yates to represent NASCAR in antitrust case
Earlier this week, NASCAR responded to the preliminary injunction filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports alleging the governing body of monopolistic practices in running the sport.
Its reponse revealed that the top racing organization in America will be represented by attorney Chris Yates, who has a long list of high-profile clients in the sports world.
Yates has won several cases on behalf of the U.S. Soccer Federation, and he helped UFC reach a $375 million settle on a class-action lawsuit related to antitrust violations by the MMA promotion company.
He also represents Fanatics in a lawsuit by Panini alleging anticompetitive behavior, and he has helped World Aquatics settle multiple antitrust lawsuits.
READ MORE: 23XI, FRM lawyer explains NASCAR lawsuit: ‘It got its monopoly illegally’
Yates has a history facing off against Jeffrey Kessler, the attorney representing 23XI and Front Row in this case.
Kessler helped secure equal pay rights for the U.S. women’s national team in a case against Yates and the U.S. Soccer Federation. He also opposed Yates in a landmark case that ultimately led to name, image and likeness (NIL) rights for student athletes.
What happens next?
After the preliminary injunction by 23XI and Front Row, NASCAR asked for an extension to respond after adverse weather near its Florida headquarters delayed the process.
We now wait for a hearing on Nov. 4, when we’ll likely learn more about the next steps in what profiles as a protected legal battle for both sides.
NASCAR could look to dismiss the case or settle out of court to avoid disclosing its financials publicly. Given Yates’ extensive history negotiating settlements, that would even seem likely in this case.
That could be just what 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are hoping for, though both have been vocal about wanting changes to the sport while still seeking a charter to compete next season.
READ MORE: 2 NASCAR racing teams miss charter deadline in ongoing standoff
Potential drama awaits in NASCAR playoffs
There’s still a chance that 23XI Racing could find itself on the NASCAR championship podium in a few weeks in the midst of this high-profile lawsuit.
Tyler Reddick, who led 23XI to a regular-season championship, sits in seventh place and 14 points above the cut line heading into Sunday’s Bank of America ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Denny Hamlin, who owns 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, has never won a championship but has won three races this year – tied for the second-most behind Kyle Larson (five). He remains fourth in the playoff standings and should advance to the Round of 8 barring a disastrous Sunday.