The two race teams suing NASCAR over antitrust allegations filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Monday to be recognized as chartered organizations for the remainder of 2025.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are locked in a lengthy legal battle over the charter system, which is the equivalent of the franchise model in other sports. 23XI, owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, last September rejected NASCAR’s final proposal on extensions and instead filed an antitrust suit.

The case is winding its way through the court system but now with urgency: the teams were set to lose their charters Wednesday and in the latest filing, they allege NASCAR has indicated it will immediately begin the process of selling the six tags that guarantee entry into every race as well as monetary rewards and other benefits.

After the filing NASCAR was ordered to respond by 5 p.m. Wednesday — which means there would be no ruling on if the charters will be revoked likely until Thursday, at the earliest.

“Today we filed a motion in the district court for a renewed preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to protect the teams’ ability to race chartered for the remainder of the 2025 Cup Series season and prevent irreparable business harm to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports until we can present our case at trial in December,” said Jeffery Kessler, attorney for the teams.

“New information surfaced through the discovery process that overwhelmingly supports our position that a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary. The teams’ love of stock car racing and belief in a better future for the sport for all parties – teams, drivers, employees, sponsors, and fans – continues to motivate their efforts to pursue this antitrust case.”

There were large portions of the filing redacted because the arguments are based on information learned through discovery, making it confidential, for now. But, the urgency is likely tied to NASCAR indicating it plans to immediately begin selling the charters if they are revoked.

Should the teams have their six combined charters revoked, the drivers would have to qualify on speed to make each week’s race and would receive a smaller percentage of the purse. They may also have to refund money paid out through the first 20 races of the year.

NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of filing “a third motion for another unnecessary and inappropriate preliminary injunction” and noted it has made multiple requests to the teams “to present a proposal to resolve this litigation.”

“We have yet to receive a proposal from 23XI or Front Row, as they have instead preferred to continue their damaging and distracting lawsuit,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We will defend NASCAR’s integrity from this baseless lawsuit forced upon the sport that threatens to divide the stakeholders committed to serving race fans everywhere.

“We remain focused on collaborating with the 13 race teams that signed the 2025 charter agreements and share our mutual goal of delivering the best racing in the world each week, including this weekend in Dover.”

Also on Monday, Rick Ware Racing and Legacy Motor Club had a short virtual hearing in a North Carolina court over their fight for a charter.

Legacy, owned by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, contends it had an agreement with RWR to lease one of its two charters in 2026. RWR contends the agreement was for 2027 and it already has a contract with RFK Racing to lease that team a charter next season.

Legacy on Monday asked for and was granted the right to depose RWR over the recent revelation that T.J. Puchyr, one of the founders of Spire Motorsports, plans to purchase the race team. Legacy contends if Ware is selling the team, then one of the charters should be transferred to its organization.

Legacy also argued that Ware did not disclose he was entering into a sales agreement with a third party — Puchyr, who is now a consultant and brokered the initial lease deal between RWR and Legacy — in an April hearing. The judge in that case warned that RWR could be in contempt of court if it misrepresented its intentions in the first hearing.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

The NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfnity Series are headed to Dover Motor Speedway for some concrete oval action.

Here’s who’s on the entry lists.

The Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 will be on Sunday, July 20, at 2 p.m. ET. It will be broadcast on TNT.

There are 37 teams listed, meaning everyone makes the field following qualifying, barring any entry list changes.

JJ Yeley and the NY Racing No. 44 are back for this weekend’s action.

Thinkin’ Out Loud at Sonoma: Stop Complaining, You’re Witnessing NASCAR History

The Xfinity Series will take on the Monster Mile for the BetRivers 200 on Saturday, July 19, at 4:30 p.m. ET. The CW is the place to catch all Xfinity Series action.

Forty drivers are listed, meaning two of them will head home following qualifying, unless there are entry list changes.

Nick Leitz is back in the No. 07 for SS-Green Light Racing.

Ross Chastain will pilot the No. 9 for JR Motorsports.

Garrett Smithley is in the No. 14 for SS-Green Light Racing.

Jake Finch will attempt to make his series debut in the No. 17 for Hendrick Motorsports.

The No. 19 for Joe Gibbs Racing will see Aric Almirola behind the wheel once again.

Ryan Truex looks to continue his Dover dominance in the No. 24 for Sam Hunt Racing.

Rajah Caruth will attempt his first Xfinity start of the year in the No. 32 for Jordan Anderson Racing.

Both of Joey Gase Motorsports’ cars, the Nos. 35 and 53, are entered but the drivers have yet to be announced.

Lavar Scott is another driver looking to make his series debut in the No. 45 for Alpha Prime Racing.

Leland Honeyman will drive the Cope Family Racing No. 70.

The two race teams suing NASCAR over antitrust allegations filed for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction Monday to be recognized as chartered organizations for the remainder of 2025.

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are locked in a lengthy legal battle over the charter system, which is the equivalent of the franchise model in other sports. 23XI, owned by retired NBA great Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, and Front Row, owned by entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, last September rejected NASCAR’s final proposal on extensions and instead filed an antitrust suit.

The case is winding its way through the court system but now with urgency: the teams were set to lose their charters Wednesday and in the latest filing, they allege NASCAR has indicated it will immediately begin the process of selling the six tags that guarantee entry into every race as well as monetary rewards and other benefits.

After the filing NASCAR was ordered to respond by 5 p.m. Wednesday — which means there would be no ruling on if the charters will be revoked likely until Thursday, at the earliest.

“Today we filed a motion in the district court for a renewed preliminary injunction and temporary restraining order to protect the teams’ ability to race chartered for the remainder of the 2025 Cup Series season and prevent irreparable business harm to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports until we can present our case at trial in December,” said Jeffery Kessler, attorney for the teams.

“New information surfaced through the discovery process that overwhelmingly supports our position that a preliminary injunction is legally warranted and necessary. The teams’ love of stock car racing and belief in a better future for the sport for all parties – teams, drivers, employees, sponsors, and fans – continues to motivate their efforts to pursue this antitrust case.”

There were large portions of the filing redacted because the arguments are based on information learned through discovery, making it confidential, for now. But, the urgency is likely tied to NASCAR indicating it plans to immediately begin selling the charters if they are revoked.

Should the teams have their six combined charters revoked, the drivers would have to qualify on speed to make each week’s race and would receive a smaller percentage of the purse. They may also have to refund money paid out through the first 20 races of the year.

NASCAR accused 23XI and Front Row of filing “a third motion for another unnecessary and inappropriate preliminary injunction” and noted it has made multiple requests to the teams “to present a proposal to resolve this litigation.”

“We have yet to receive a proposal from 23XI or Front Row, as they have instead preferred to continue their damaging and distracting lawsuit,” NASCAR said in a statement. “We will defend NASCAR’s integrity from this baseless lawsuit forced upon the sport that threatens to divide the stakeholders committed to serving race fans everywhere.

“We remain focused on collaborating with the 13 race teams that signed the 2025 charter agreements and share our mutual goal of delivering the best racing in the world each week, including this weekend in Dover.”

Also on Monday, Rick Ware Racing and Legacy Motor Club had a short virtual hearing in a North Carolina court over their fight for a charter.

Legacy, owned by seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson, contends it had an agreement with RWR to lease one of its two charters in 2026. RWR contends the agreement was for 2027 and it already has a contract with RFK Racing to lease that team a charter next season.

Legacy on Monday asked for and was granted the right to depose RWR over the recent revelation that T.J. Puchyr, one of the founders of Spire Motorsports, plans to purchase the race team. Legacy contends if Ware is selling the team, then one of the charters should be transferred to its organization.

Legacy also argued that Ware did not disclose he was entering into a sales agreement with a third party — Puchyr, who is now a consultant and brokered the initial lease deal between RWR and Legacy — in an April hearing. The judge in that case warned that RWR could be in contempt of court if it misrepresented its intentions in the first hearing.

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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Born on 9 May 1989 in Auckland, Shane van Gisbergen’s age has become a talking point in NASCAR. Unlike most rookies who emerge from the US stock car system in their early twenties, van Gisbergen arrived with more than a decade of success in Supercars, where he won three championships and built a reputation as a ruthless road-course tactician.

After transitioning to NASCAR full-time in 2024, van Gisbergen initially struggled to adjust to oval circuits. But by mid-2025, he turned heads with three road-course victories in rapid succession, in Mexico City, the Chicago Street Race, and Sonoma. His latest win at Sonoma saw him lead 97 of 110 laps, placing him in the record books as the fastest driver to win four Cup races since Parnelli Jones in 1967, according to NASCAR.

The Family Behind the Helmet

Much of Shane van Gisbergen’s success stems from a grounded personal life. Raised in New Zealand by parents Robert van Gisbergen and Karen Wallace, he grew up in a motorsport-loving household alongside his sister, Lauren. His early exposure to karting and motocross laid the foundation for his fearless approach on track.

Van Gisbergen’s family remains a critical support system. During his mother’s illness in 2024, racing provided him with structure and motivation. Speaking about that period, van Gisbergen noted: ‘When everything feels out of control off the track, racing gives you something to focus on. That helped more than anything’.

Now based in North Carolina, the heart of American stock car racing, he still keeps close ties to his New Zealand roots. Family members frequently attend his races, offering both moral support and continuity amid NASCAR’s gruelling schedule.

Shane van Gisbergen Net Worth and Sponsorship Power

As Shane van Gisbergen’s net worth grows, so does his presence in the sport. Estimates place his earnings between £4 million ($5.3 million) and £5.5 million ($7.4 million), accumulated through racing purses, sponsorships, and brand endorsements. Current backers include Red Bull, WeatherTech, and Bell Helmets, with Trackhouse Racing offering a lucrative contract for the 2025 season.

Unlike many Cup drivers, van Gisbergen brings a global audience to NASCAR, which has expanded his commercial appeal far beyond the US market.

A Global Mindset Behind the Wheel

Van Gisbergen’s background in Supercars has gifted him with a natural sense of braking and cornering that outpaces many of his NASCAR peers. While others rely heavily on data, he often drives by feel, a skill honed on street circuits and under wildly varied weather conditions.

In preparation for his win in Mexico City, he even consulted Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen for tips on handling wet road courses. The result was a commanding performance that showcased his adaptability and racecraft.

NASCAR’s Most Unlikely Star?

Shane van Gisbergen’s rise is proof that experience, resilience, and global perspective can outmatch youth and tradition. At 36, he is not just a road-course ace, he is a symbol of NASCAR’s evolving identity.

With family support, growing wealth, and unmatched talent, van Gisbergen is not only here to stay, he may be on track to become a Cup Series champion.

AUSTIN CINDRIC No. 2 AMERICA’S TIRE FORD MUSTANG
START: 24TH STAGE 1: 26TH STAGE 2: 26TH FINISH: 30TH POINTS: 20TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Austin Cindric and the No. 2 America’s Tire Ford Mustang Dark Horse team showed flashes of strong pace throughout Sunday’s race at Sonoma Raceway, but multiple on-track incidents and late-race damage ultimately led to a 30th-place result. Cindric took the green flag from the 24th position and worked his way forward during the opening run, climbing to 19th with 10 laps remaining in Stage 1. He pitted on Lap 21 for four tires and fuel. After short pitting, he ended Stage 1 in 26th and reported that he needed more drive. The No. 2 restarted 16th when Stage 2 went green on Lap 30, and Cindric pitted again just before the stage conclusion and finished the segment in 26th while managing right-front locking. The team noted a slight pop in the hood and a hole in the left front fender from earlier contact, but stayed on track. Cindric lined up 16th for the start of the final stint and was running 15th when a multi-car incident brought out the caution on Lap 62. He pitted for four fresh tires and fuel under yellow but restarted deep in the field in 30th. With 38 laps to go, Cindric had worked back up to 27th, and by Lap 87, he was running in fourth when a caution reset the field with 15 laps remaining. A chaotic restart with 11 laps to go saw Cindric sustain damage to his America’s Tire Ford. He restarted 25th with seven laps remaining but reported increasing difficulty turning right, eventually noting the steering wheel was more than an inch off-center. The team brought him to pit road to assess the toe alignment. The 26-year-old driver returned to the track and took the checkered flag in 30th.

CINDRIC’S THOUGHTS: “The team did a good job sticking with it all day. Just unfortunate we couldn’t come away with a better result after the effort.”

RYAN BLANEY No. 12 MENARDS/DELTA FORD MUSTANG
START: 7TH STAGE 1: 8TH STAGE 2: 9TH FINISH: 36TH POINTS: 7TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Ryan Blaney started seventh and finished 36th in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway in California. Blaney would move his way into the top five by lap 14 and would be running laps equivalent to the race leaders. He would pit on lap 21 prior to the stage break for tires, fuel and minor adjustments. Blaney would cross the finish line in the eighth position in Stage 1. After pit stops, Blaney would start Stage 2 from the fourth position but would fall back to eighth after a slight off in turn 4. Blaney would recover lost ground and drive back to third position near the conclusion of the stage. The No. 12 crew would flip the stage again and Blaney would come home in the ninth position. With solid track position and stage points, Blaney would restart the final segment inside the top five. Unfortunately, he would be pushed off the track in turn 1, which sent the Menards/Delta Ford Mustang Dark Horse into the dirt. He would lose a lap in the process of getting back going. Blaney would eventually get the free pass back onto the lead lap but would be involved in an incident ending his day late.

BLANEY’S THOUGHTS: “We had a really good Menards/Delta Ford Mustang. Unfortunately, bad luck got us a couple times. We’ll move on to Dover.”

JOEY LOGANO No. 22 AUTOTRADER FORD MUSTANG
START: 22ND STAGE 1: 28TH STAGE 2: 28TH FINISH: 9TH POINTS: 11TH

RACE RUNDOWN: Joey Logano started his Autotrader Ford Mustang Dark Horse from the 22nd starting position and finished ninth in Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway. Logano would slowly work his way forward battling a loose Autotrader Ford. Taking care of his rear Goodyear tires, Logano would drive up to 18th near the end of Stage 1. Like so many others, Logano would flip the stage and pit for service prior to the Stage 1 conclusion. He would finish Stage 1 in the 28th position. Progress would continue to be made as Logano drove from 18th to 13th in Stage 2. He would flip the stage again and come home in the 28th position. With varying strategies at the end, Logano would avoid multiple late race cautions to bring home his fifth top 10 finish of 2025.

LOGANO’S THOUGHTS: “Solid day for the Autotrader Ford Mustang. We battled a loose condition and Paul (Wolfe) and the guys did a great job working on it. We avoided the carnage and brought home a decent finish.”

The NASCAR Cup Series heads to Dover Motor Speedway for the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400 on Sunday, July 20. Coverage from Dover begins at 2:00 p.m. ET on TNT, PRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Team Penske PR