What’s Happening?

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ antitrust lawsuit filed against NASCAR over a year ago, and while the lead-up to the trial had plenty of revelations, the nine-day trial also had its fair share of breaking news. Here are five unforgettable things we learned from the 23XI/FRM and NASCAR antitrust trial.

Denny Hamlin Claims NASCAR Killed Germain Racing

On day one of the trial, 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin came out swinging right out of the gate, accusing NASCAR of being the reason that Germain Racing, which operated a Cup Series team from 2009 to 2020, went out of business.

Hamlin alleged that NASCAR, as part of its Premier Partners program, which the sport introduced in 2020 to replace its then-departed title sponsor Monster Energy, brought on GEICO, taking the long-time sponsor partner away from Germain.

Denny Hamlin Asked Michael Jordan to Find a Buyer for His Portion of 23XI

During his cross-examination of Hamlin, NASCAR’s lawyer asked Denny Hamlin about a text message he sent to 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan. In this text from 2023, Hamlin asked Jordan to find a buyer for his portion of 23XI.

While Hamlin did not, and has not, sold any portion of 23XI, the owner/driver claims this during a period of frustration and needed to get the attention of his business partners. Hamlin also says he and his fellow co-owners resolved this issue in a meeting at Jordan’s golf course, The Grove XXIII.

Furniture Row Racing Won a Title, and It Cost Them Everything

Every NASCAR fan knows the tragic story of Furniture Row Racing, which, after winning the 2017 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, closed its operation at the end of the 2018 season. Prior to this lawsuit, it was widely known, but unconfirmed by the sport or parties involved, that their closure was for financial reasons related to an increased alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing.

Shockingly, during this trial, NASCAR’s legal team accused JGR of being the reason FRR closed its door, with attorney Lawrence Buterman alleging the team doubled the price of the partnership after their title win on Monday. Even more shocking was the testimony of NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps, who claimed that JGR didn’t just double the price, but tripled it from roughly $3 million to $10 million.

Richard Childress Was Looking to Sell Part of RCR in 2025

Though many were excited for Richard Childress to take the witness stand, the resulting testimony and examination did not mention the hot-button issue of comments made by NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps in text messages unsealed by the courts.

But that doesn’t mean his time in the courtroom wasn’t without fireworks, as the court revealed that Childress only owns 60% of RCR and that NASCAR was aware of a group led by former driver Bobby Hillin Jr., who had attempted to buy RCR.

This questioning led to an “animated” response from Childress, who said that the deal had fallen through and was confused how NASCAR had known this due to an NDA he had Hillin and members of the interested party sign prior to negotiations.

Hendrick Motorsports Lost Millions in the Early 2020s

During the examination of NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports lawyer Jeffery Kessler read a letter sent by team owner Rick Hendrick to France in early 2024.

In this letter, Hendrick asked France to consider “a Charter agreement that’s fair and ensures a collaborative and prosperous structure for NASCAR, its stakeholders and the industry as a whole.“

Hendrick also made two specific claims in his letter.

First, he claimed that NASCAR had told teams, “bring no value, our rights are worthless, and we don’t know how to run a viable business.” Second, he claimed that despite success on track, including two Championships, the team had lost tens of millions of dollars over the prior five seasons.

While Hendrick’s in-profitability, like several other revelations in the trial, was no secret, the fact that one of the sport’s most successful and perhaps most popular teams lost $20 million over five seasons astounded the NASCAR fan base.

What do you think about this? Let us know your opinion on Discord or X. Don’t forget that you can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

A 23-day festival of adventure and entertainment

Opening with the UAE Falcons Aerobatic Team

Liwa Village: The festival hub

New Year’s Eve celebration

Celebrating Emirati heritage

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News.

Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor.

A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London.

During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues.

Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt.

He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.

The second round of the 2025/26 Asian Le Mans Series at Sepang International Circuit delivered another dramatic four-hour endurance battle on Sunday, December 14, heavily influenced by unpredictable Malaysian weather. After claiming victory in Saturday’s opener, Cetilar Racing’s #47 Oreca 07-Gibson crew of Roberto Lacorte, Charles Milesi, and Antonio Fuoco dominated proceedings to secure a weekend double, finishing ahead of the field when the race was red-flagged with approximately 20 minutes remaining due to torrential rain flooding the track.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

The race featured multiple interruptions, including three periods behind the Safety Car or Virtual Safety Car and two full-course yellows, as teams grappled with shifting conditions and tire strategy. Competitors were circulating on slick tires behind the Safety Car following an earlier incident when the heaviest downpour hit, rendering the circuit undriveable and prompting race control to halt proceedings prematurely.

Cetilar Racing controlled much of the race after taking the lead in the second hour. A key moment came when Antonio Fuoco overtook Tom Dillmann in the #25 Algarve Pro Racing Oreca on a restart, pulling away to build a comfortable margin—eventually over 30 seconds—before the red flag sealed their second win in as many days. Algarve Pro Racing held on for second, with the #4 Crowdstrike Racing by APR Oreca completing an identical LMP2 podium to Race 1.

LMP3: CLX Motorsport Gambles to Victory

In the LMP3 class, a bold strategy propelled CLX Motorsport’s #17 Ligier JS P325 to the top step. Driver Paul Lanchere—fresh off his European Le Mans Series title success—served the two mandatory 100-second pit stops during an early Virtual Safety Car period, a calculated risk that paid dividends as conditions evolved. The Swiss outfit capitalized to claim victory, with Lanchere sharing the podium with teammates Kevin Rabin and Alexander Jacoby.

The #71 23Events Racing Ligier finished second, ahead of the #29 Forestier Racing by VPS entry in third, rounding out a competitive class battle in the debut season for the new-generation LMP3 machinery.

GT: Kessel Racing Masters Conditions for Win

Kessel Racing secured maximum points in the hotly contested GT class, overcoming a grid penalty to triumph with their Ferrari 296 GT3. Dustin Scott Blattner made rapid early progress, climbing from 15th to third in the opening laps, before astute tire calls allowed Chris Lulham and Dennis Marschall to surge into the lead and stay there amid the chaos.

The #69 Team WRT BMW M4 GT3 delivered a strong recovery after an overnight engine change addressed power issues from Race 1, with Tony McIntosh, Parker Thompson, and Dan Harper taking second. Third went to the #87 Origine Motorsport Porsche, where Bo Yuan impressed with blistering pace during a long stint, charging from 14th and briefly challenging for the lead.

The Asian Le Mans Series now heads to the United Arab Emirates for the next double-header, with the 4 Hours of Dubai scheduled for January 31 and February 1, 2026.

Sepang Race 2 Results

03_Classification_Race 2_FINAL

Barranquilla is reviving its long-held dream of hosting a Formula 1 Grand Prix for Colombia. The local administration, led by Mayor Alejandro Char, has announced the reactivation of the city’s bid to join the world championship motorsports calendar—an objective that would combine sporting spectacle with a major economic and tourism boost for the region.

Despite differences with President Gustavo Petro’s national government on the issue, the mayor said yesterday that the project depends solely on his administration and that state approval is no longer required. With this, the aspirations of the capital of Colombia’s Caribbean region are being renewed and are now framed under a logic of municipal autonomy and the direct interest of Formula 1 organizers in exploring alternatives in emerging markets.

In the most recent talks, Formula 1 delegates visited Barranquilla to assess the city’s potential as a race host, focusing on a semi-urban circuit running along the Magdalena River and connecting with the Gran Malecón. This renewed push comes at a time when the city is drawing attention for other international bids—such as hosting the 2026 Copa Sudamericana final—and is seeking to establish itself as a hub for global events in the Caribbean region.

The possibility that top-tier single-seaters could race on Colombian soil has reignited interest and expectations among government officials, business leaders, and fans alike, sparking a debate over what it would mean for Barranquilla and for Colombia to open a new chapter in the history of motorsports.

Barranquilla sets its sights on hosting Colombia’s Formula 1 Grand Prix

Barranquilla’s aspiration to host a Formula 1 race did not emerge overnight. The project has its roots in earlier efforts, when under the administration of then-mayor Jaime Pumarejo concrete possibilities were explored to bring the championship to the city.

During that stage, there were direct conversations with representatives of the category, and possible semi-urban layouts were designed around the Magdalena River waterfront. Even figures linked to motorsport and to the organization expressed enthusiasm for Barranquilla’s potential as the venue for a “Caribbean Grand Prix.”

However, political and logistical factors at the time stalled the project’s realization, and the lack of an official letter from the national government was perceived as a key obstacle. Today, with an administration determined to take the reins of the process, that barrier has shifted.

Mayor Char has emphasized that progress on the bid now depends almost exclusively on agreements between the Mayor’s Office and Formula 1 organizers, without requiring direct approval from the national executive branch. This municipal autonomy is seen as a strategic advantage, capable of speeding up negotiations and presenting a proposal that is more agile and better tailored to the category’s needs.

Despite the enthusiasm and interest shown by Formula 1 representatives, not all aspects of the project are straightforward. Among the most frequently cited drawbacks by the Barranquilla administration is the city’s airport infrastructure. The international airport serving Barranquilla, Ernesto Cortissoz, has been identified as insufficient to meet the demands of an event on the scale of a motor racing Grand Prix.

Formula 1 delegates, according to statements by the mayor, have indicated that the current conditions of the air terminal and its facilities do not meet expected standards, raising the need for investments or significant improvements in this area.

Beyond logistical challenges, the project’s backers defend its economic potential. Formula 1 is far more than a race; it is a magnet for high-spending tourism, global sponsorships, international media coverage, and urban development. Cities such as Miami have shown how the presence of the top tier of motorsport can transform a destination’s international perception and attract investment.

For Barranquilla, a Grand Prix would mean not only an expansion of its sports and cultural offerings, but also a direct impact on sectors such as hotels, restaurants, commerce, and services, with the arrival of thousands of visitors over a race weekend.

The layout and identity of a Caribbean Grand Prix

Preliminary proposals for the circuit in Barranquilla envision a semi-urban layout that takes advantage of distinctive features of the city: its geography, its waterfront, and its proximity to the Magdalena River. The idea of a circuit that runs through emblematic areas, rather than a traditional closed track, seeks to create a unique experience for both drivers and spectators.

This connection with the urban and natural environment could be one of the attractions that appeal to Formula 1, which in recent years has shown interest in diversifying its venues and exploring new markets.

The dream of organizing a Grand Prix in Barranquilla still faces many challenges ahead, from technical and financial agreements to improvements in key infrastructure. However, the reactivation of the bid under a locally driven approach conveyed by Mayor Char has renewed expectations and placed Barranquilla once again in the international conversation of motorsport.

If the proposal continues to move forward, the roar of the engines could become yet another symbol of the city’s Caribbean ambition to establish itself on the map of major global events.

In the high-stakes world of NASCAR Cup Series racing, where billions in revenue swirl around media deals, sponsorships, and the all-important charters that guarantee a team’s spot in every race, most owners play it safe. They sign on the dotted line, grumble privately, and keep the peace with the France family empire. But in late 2024, two teams decided enough was enough.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

23XI Racing—co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin—and Front Row Motorsports (FRM), led by Bob Jenkins, refused to sign NASCAR’s “take-it-or-leave-it” charter extension for 2025-2031. While 13 other teams reluctantly inked the deal, fearing the loss of their valuable franchises, 23XI and Front Row filed a bombshell antitrust lawsuit, accusing NASCAR of monopolistic practices that stifled team growth and funneled too much profit to the sanctioning body.

It was a gutsy move. They raced much of 2025 as “open” teams, forfeiting millions in guaranteed revenue. The trial in Charlotte dragged on for weeks, exposing embarrassing texts, tough negotiations, and the raw power dynamics of the sport. Many in the garage whispered that the rebels were risking it all—for what?

Then, on December 11, 2025, everything changed. Midway through the trial, a settlement was announced. NASCAR blinked.

The deal handed all 15 chartered teams “evergreen” charters—essentially permanent franchises that don’t expire, making them true assets like NFL or NBA teams. Overnight, industry experts estimated charter values could double, from recent sales around $45 million to potentially $90-100 million each. Teams gained shares of international media rights (previously zero for them), a cut of new intellectual property deals, reinstated governance input via an expanded “strike” rule, and more.

The other 13 teams? They got all these upgrades without spending a dime on lawyers, without missing a single purse payout, and without ever sticking their necks out during negotiations.

Although none of the other team owners said, they all had to be thinking, ‘We signed because we felt we had no choice. Those two fought the fight we were all too scared to wage—and now we’re all richer for it.’

The irony wasn’t lost on anyone. The teams that played it safe, signing the original deal under duress, now reap the biggest rewards thanks to the ones who had the balls to sue.

Denny Hamlin captured the resolve behind the fight: “Standing up isn’t easy, but progress never comes from staying silent. The reward is in knowing you changed something.”

Michael Jordan emphasized the broader impact: “From the beginning, this lawsuit was about progress. It was about making sure our sport evolves in a way that supports everyone: teams, drivers, partners, employees, and fans.”

Hamlin added that the outcome is “going to grow the sport, and it’s going to be better for everyone, there’s no doubt about it.”

Other team owners welcomed the resolution. Rick Hendrick stated: “Today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters—the future of our sport. When our industry is united, there’s no limit to how far we can go or how much we can grow the sport we love.”

Roger Penske called it “tremendous news for the industry.”

As ESPN’s Ryan McGee noted, every team once stood united with 23XI and Front Row during negotiations but eventually lacked the balls and signed—leaving the two to carry the fight alone. “They won that fight, and as a result, so did every NASCAR team owner who is fortunate enough to have one of those 36 charters.”

Former NASCAR driver and now pudit, Kenny Wallace, predicted what the settlement by NASCAR could imply for the teams and why it could be game-changing.

Shortly after the announcement, Wallace spoke to the camera, where the 62-year-old shared his thoughts and seemed rather pleased with the turn of events.

Wallace believed 23XI Racing and FRM had gotten what they sought and hence decided to settle. He also presumed that the settlement would translate to more TV revenue and evergreen charters for the teams.

According to Wallace, NASCAR’s leaked letters and the overall fan sentiment prompted the governing body to pursue the settlement route further. He also pointed out that NASCAR bosses’ unwillingness to answer tough questions only weakened the governing body’s case.

For their efforts and fortitude, NASCAR will pay 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports an unknown amount of monetary damages and legal fees.

With permanent charters now in place, the entire Cup Series field reaps enhanced stability and value, courtesy of the two teams that refused to back down. The garage moves forward united, poised for growth in 2026 and beyond.

The overwhelming influence of sponsors in NASCAR became evident during the recent charter agreement fiasco. Teams would face significant challenges in operating and covering their expenses without the substantial real estate opportunities provided by their cars. But seldom do these sponsors, which are often large enterprises, stick to a single team or driver.

Dave Alpern explained why in a video posted by the team on their YouTube handle. He went, “Some sponsors within an organization like to be a family of drivers versus one. Interstate Batteries is a great example.

“Interstate for many years was just on our famed No. 18 car. Now, they try to do at least one race with all of our drivers.”

They also have an associate sponsor logo on all of the team’s cars throughout the season. This is just a marketing strategy that the company employs to have visibility during races and associate itself with one particular well-performing team. Other companies don’t necessarily follow this same approach.

Alpern continued, “There are also brands that choose to sponsor multiple times. I think of Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has a family of different drivers across a bunch of different organizations. Their goal being, they want a winning driver to get out and swig a Coke. The more drivers they have, they feel like that meets their strategy.”

And then, there are companies like Bass Pro Shops. The sporting goods retailer not only sponsors races, but it is also associated with a bunch of different teams. It has strong relationships in the garage with multiple teams and drivers, with a wide reach of sponsorship. The point to be made is that there is no right or wrong in this facet of the sport.

“It kind of just depends on the brand and what their objectives are. But yeah, it’s more common to see one sponsor paired with one driver and car number. But it’s not uncommon to see them spread across multiple cars,” the Joe Gibbs Racing President added.

Race cars are essentially moving billboards for companies, and the ultimate goal is to catch the eye of the passionate fanbase.

Moreover, sponsoring a single car and driver can be a risky gamble. The driver could get injured or perform poorly throughout the season. This would hurt the image of the sponsor heavily and go against their end goal.