NASCAR president Steve Phelps has told 23XI Racing that “NASCAR has made several concessions and compromises” while negotiating the 2025 Charter Agreement, in a letter signed by Phelps to the organization last month.
The letter was part of the exhibits released Wednesday when a preliminary injunction was filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. 23XI and FRM are seeking to race as charter teams in 2025 as the legal process plays out, but without giving up their antitrust claims.
Phelps wrote that:
– NASCAR agreed to meet well in advance of the timeline outlined in the existing charter agreement to begin good faith renewal obligations
– NASCAR agreed to extend the term length beyond the current media rights agreement
– NASCAR agreed to renewal right protections
– NASCAR created a team advisory committee to solicit additional input from the teams on major strategic decisions for the industry
– NASCAR absorbed all costs of hosting and maintaining the team website on NASCAR’s platform
– NASCAR lowered the transfer fee from the initial proposal
– NASCAR waived the debt limits, increased the amount of private equity participation, and worked with teams around the transfer language
– NASCAR agreed to increase the financial position of the teams, making them the largest beneficiary of the media revenues to the financial detriment of other industry stakeholders.
According to RACER Magazine the correspondence is the only insight into NASCAR’s approach to the matter as they have not issued a public statement on the lawsuit. 23XI and Front Row are represented by Jeffrey Kessler of Winston & Strawn while NASCAR is represented by Chris Yates of Latham & Yates.
AND: The antitrust lawsuit brought against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports now has lawyers on both sides.
Representing the teams is Jeffrey Kessler of Winston and Strawn, who famously secured name, image and likeness (NIL) rights for NCAA athletes and won equal pay rights for the United States Women’s National Soccer Team and he will argue his case opposed by Chris Yates of Latham & Watkins.
Yates represented the Ultimate Fighting Championship in a class action lawsuit brought forth by over 1,000 fighters who claimed the MMA promotion violated antitrust laws. That case reached a $375 million settlement.
He represents Fanatics, who Panini has sued over an allegation that it is engaging in anti-competitive conduct through its long-term exclusive licensing deals with top leagues and athletes, following in acquisition of competitor Toops and manufacturer GC Packaging, LLC while also ‘raiding’ key Panini employee groups.
According to journalist Deb Williams Kyle Larson’s interest in the antitrust suit filed against NASCAR is twofold, that of a Cup driver and a race series owner.
Larson and his brother-in-law Brad Sweet own the High Limit Racing Sprint Car Series, which purchased the All Star Circuit of Champions from Tony Stewart in October 2023. The Sprint Car series primary competitor is the World of Outlaws.
The principal difference between the two is High Limit doesn’t restrict its drivers from competing in other events and series. WoO teams are allowed to compete in a maximum of four non-WoO races per season. If a team exceeds the limit, it loses its eligibility for monetary benefits, such as the exclusivity bonus fund, points fund, and tow money.
In the suit, 23XI and Front Row note that NASCAR prevents its Cup Charter teams from competing in another series, and the car they race is exclusive to stock car racing’s premier circuit.
Larson said the suit might involve every team in every racing series “in a way.”
“I think there’s stuff that will be learned from it all,” Larson said. “Brad (Sweet) and myself are drivers. I’ve been an owner. We want it fair for everybody. Obviously, it’s on a way smaller scale. I don’t know if that makes it easier or harder, but we’re trying to figure out our own Charter stuff. I think being from the NASCAR side and seeing what’s going on now, you can get different ideas.”
Larson believes the strength being exerted by 23XI and Front Row in the suit is “pretty interesting.”
“It’s cool to see somebody stand up to a huge corporation,” Larson said. “Obviously, I would love to see our teams making more money because I think that helps the overall health of our sport. I definitely give kudos to Front Row and 23XI for sticking up for what they believe.
“We’re probably one of the only sports, if not the only sport, that the athlete’s salary has gone down in the last couple decades. I think you look at yearly, most athletes’ salaries and stuff are going up, not just athletes, but coaches, staff members, everybody in the sport.
"Obviously, we would love to see it trend upward instead of the opposite, which it’s been. With that, I think the teams probably have to make a lot more money to make it viable to pay the people that are working for their organizations more.”
JR Motorsports has announced that Virginia native Connor Hall will be the new driver behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet for the organization’s championship-winning Late Model program in 2025. Additionally, as previously announced by JRM, Bass Pro Shops will be back on board as the primary partner for 20 Late Model events throughout the upcoming season.
“We are very happy to be able to have someone of Connor’s caliber and experience join us in our Late Model program,” said JRM’s Senior Vice President of Motorsports L.W. Miller. “Seeing his many successes over the past several seasons makes us very excited to watch him continue that success in a JR Motorsports Late Model in 2025. Everyone at JRM is looking forward to seeing what he and Bryan (Shaffer) can do together in the Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet.”
Hall, the current points leader in the zMAX CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car division and the 2023 NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series National Champion, succeeds Carson Kvapil in the seat as Kvapil moves full-time to the NASCAR Xfinity Series next season with JRM.
“To me, JR Motorsports has the No. 1 Late Model program in the country, and it’s a dream come true to be able to wake up every day and work toward the common goal everyone at JRM has, which is to win more races and championships and carry on the legacy of this team,” Hall said.
“The opportunity to represent JR Motorsports, Johnny Morris and Bass Pro Shops, Dale, Kelley and L.W. means a lot to me. I am super-excited to work with Bryan, Slim and the rest of the team as well. I respect them a ton and am very eager to establish that working relationship.”
The 27-year-old Virginian will get behind the wheel of the No. 88 Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Boats & ATVs Chevrolet for the first time early in 2025.
The 1000 Miglia that has traversed Italy each year, has long been known as the world’s most iconic and historic auto race. It has also been hailed as “the most beautiful auto race in the world.” Since 2018, the 1000 Miglia team has held the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA in and around Middleburg, Virginia. The event returns this year from Wednesday, October 23 (arrival) to Sunday, October 27(departure day). Driving days include Thursday, Oct. 24 through Saturday, Oct. 26.
Up to 40 cars and their drivers will compete in two classes: the 1000 Miglia Era Class and the Post-1000 Miglia Era Class. The first is open to 1000 Miglia-eligible cars, built between 1927 and 1957, as well as significant sports and ground touring cars built during the same period; the second is open to select sports, grand touring and supercars built from 1958 to present.
The top eligible winning cars and drivers will receive an invitation to go to Italy and compete in the 1000 Miglia in June 2025. Race entries for the 1000 Miglia in Italy are usually sold out with long waiting lists of drivers wanting to participate. Being invited is a huge plus and multiple American drivers have taken their cars and teams to Italy for the experience of the 1000 Miglia.
The U.S. race covers more than 500 miles. Cars and drivers arrive in Middleburg on Oct. 22 with auto events taking place on Wednesday, Oct. 23 through Saturday, Oct. 26. Drivers and cars depart the region on Oct. 27.Included in the days are organized time trials, cross country drives and racing at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. On Thursday and Friday mornings, the Town of Middleburg will host the exciting “green flag sendoff” to officially begin the race. Middleburg’s elementary school children will be on hand with their families to help with the sendoffs.
On Friday, drivers will return to Middleburg in the mid-afternoon for a special event in the town, resulting in the award of the inaugural “Middleburg Cup.” This event will conclude with a street festival where the public is invited to see the cars on display, eat local food, and mingle with participants and fellow enthusiasts. There are also activities for children. (Mini Miglia is at 4 p.m. See website for registration details)
On Saturday, the cars will start from Middleburg and head to Congressional Country Club for time trials and lunch, followed by a visit and medals awarded at the Italian Embassy (ending on “Italian soil.”) The group will then return to Middleburg and pass through the official finish line on North Madison St. (in Middleburg.) An awards dinner will follow at the Middleburg Town Hall. Check the Town’s website, www.middleburgva.gov/1000miglia for a complete schedule.
“We are delighted to return to the charming Town of Middleburg,” said Francesca Parolin, general manager of the 1000 Miglia. “The area provides such a beautiful setting for our drives and the Town and its residents are so welcoming. There is a similarity between the Middleburg region and some of the towns our event goes through in Italy.”
“We are honored to, once again, host the 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA,” said Bridge Littleton, Mayor of the Town of Middleburg. “This is such a unique event and such a perfect fit for Middleburg. We look forward to our continued partnership with the Italians who oversee the 1000 Miglia and are excited to bring this event back for the residents and many auto enthusiasts in the region.”
The Warm Up event is aimed at veteran and novice enthusiasts who are passionate about driving. Because it is so popular, it is difficult to participate in the 1000 Miglia in Italy. The 1000 Miglia Warm Up USA provides entry space in the 1000 Miglia for the top performers. The event includes training days and 1000 Miglia-style tests during which one can learn or study how to participate in the 1000 Miglia race—a competition that, since 1927, has taken place throughout the entire country of Italy. The 1000 Miglia is a dream event for millions of automotive enthusiasts around the world and the intimate format of the U.S. event allows for enthusiasts to interact with 1000 Miglia management and staff in this “Spirit of 1000 Miglia” competitive experience, meant to match the technical race characteristics of the modern day race in Italy.
For additional information, go to: https://1000miglia.it/en/events/1000-miglia-warm-up/1000-miglia-warm-up-usa-2024/. Entries are also being accepted until space is filled.
For the 16th consecutive season, the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship campaign will launch in the state of Florida during the month of February.
In 2025, USAC National Sprint Cars’ trip to Florida will feature six events across six consecutive nights – the first two at Barberville, Florida’s Volusia Speedway Park and the final four at Ocala Speedway, culminating in a point fund of at least $10,000.
Leading off the 2025 season is a practice for all teams at Ocala Speedway early on Sunday, February 9. The first race of the 16th annual edition of Winter Dirt Games arrives at Volusia Speedway Park as part of the DIRTcar Nationals on Monday-Tuesday, February 10-11, at the 1/2-mile dirt oval. The first night of racing in Volusia on Monday will pay $6,000-to-win while Tuesday night’s round will pay $10,000-to-win.
USAC National Sprint Car action then moves west to Ocala Speedway on Wednesday-Thursday-Friday-Saturday night, February 12-13-14-15, for four consecutive nights of racing on the 3/8-mile D-shaped dirt track. Wednesday and Thursday’s events will both pay $6,000-to-win. Friday’s round will reward the winner with $7,500 while the victor of Saturday’s finale will earn $10,000-to-win.
All six races in Florida will offer full points toward the 2025 USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship. Additionally, a point fund will be up for grabs with $5,000 going to the driver gaining the most points throughout the six-race series. A sum of $2,000 will go to the runner-up, $1,500 to third, $1,000 to fourth and $500 to fifth.
Additional information on times and ticket prices for the events will be made available in the coming months.
Thirty-seven previous USAC National Sprint Car events have been held at Ocala Speedway since 2011. Justin Grant won three features and C.J. Leary one across the four nights of action back in February of 2024 in Ocala. Meanwhile, Logan Seavey swept both ends at Volusia in February of 2024.
Grant is the all-time winningest USAC National Sprint Car driver in the state of Florida with seven victories, all of which have come at Ocala Speedway.
USAC racing and the “Sunshine State” have a history that dates back to the decade of the 1950s. In fact, the first three USAC Sprint Car races ever held took place in Florida in February of 1956. Bob Sweikert won the first such event at Southland Speedway in West Palm Beach, followed by Chuck Weyant at Jacksonville Speedway and Pat O’Connor at Medley Speedway in Miami.
2025 WINTER DIRT GAMES SCHEDULE:
Sunday, February 9: Ocala Speedway | Ocala, Florida (Practice Only)
Monday, February 10: Volusia Speedway Park | Barberville, Florida ($6,000-to-win)
Tuesday, February 11: Volusia Speedway Park | Barberville, Florida ($10,000-to-win)
Wednesday, February 12: Ocala Speedway | Ocala, Florida ($6,000-to-win)
Thursday, February 13: Ocala Speedway | Ocala, Florida ($6,000-to-win)
Friday, February 14: Ocala Speedway | Ocala, Florida ($7,500-to-win)
Saturday, February 15: Ocala Speedway | Ocala, Florida ($10,000-to-win)
ABOUT JR MOTORSPORTS:
JR Motorsports is the racing operation co-owned by NASCAR Hall of Fame member and 15-time Most Popular Driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller and NASCAR Hall of Famer Rick Hendrick. Now in its 23rd year of overall competition, JR Motorsports competes in multiple divisions, including the NASCAR Xfinity Series where it currently fields four full-time teams and earned championships in 2014, 2017 and 2018. The company also owns seven titles in regional Late Model divisions with consecutive championships in 2022-23 and a prized national title in 2020. To learn more about the organization, its drivers and its sponsorship opportunities, visit www.jrmracing.com.
As the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene grows clearer by the day, four of North Carolina’s leading companies have pledged a combined $2 million donation to Samaritan’s Purse in support of relief efforts in western North Carolina and throughout the Southeast.
Hendrick Automotive Group, Hendrick Motorsports, Sonic Automotive and Speedway Motorsports will make the collective gift to the Boone-based international relief organization, which is coordinating response across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.
The companies are led by CEOs Rick Hendrick of Hendrick Automotive Group and Hendrick Motorsports, David B. Smith of Sonic Automotive, Inc., and Marcus Smith of Speedway Motorsports.
Former Andretti Global team leader Michael Andretti has penned an open letter to the team’s followers. The communication comes in the wake of his recent standing down as team principal and the transition of power to investor Daniel Towriss.
“To Our Fans,
“I was born a racer. From an early age, I didn’t know anything different than life in the fast lane. Being a “son of” – be it a proud one – came with a high bar and, once I pressed the gas, I never looked back. I stopped at nothing to find success. I drove for the passion and love of the sport, but I won for the fear of losing. My father’s childhood dream became my destiny and together, we built a legacy and a family business.
“When my driving days slowed, I set my sights on creating a space that would inspire future drivers to go faster than I had. I believe that, together with the help of many very qualified and passionate team members, I have been able to do just that. For the past two decades, our team has seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. We’ve grown on a global level that I believe is still untouched in motorsport and we’ve seen some of the best talent in racing proudly wear the Andretti badge.
“Many of my best memories have come at the wheel of this organization, and I am so proud of what we have built. But decades of running flat out doesn’t come without sacrifice and, after much thought and reflection over the past several months, I came to the decision to take a step back. I’ve had a day-to-day operational role since even before I stepped out of the race car, and it’s time now to pass the baton to my partner and friend, Dan Towriss.
“As I make this decision for myself, my family and this team, I know this is somewhat of a shock to many, especially you, the fans, my extended family. For many of you, you’ve watched me grow up, or you’ve grown up right alongside of me, and no matter what moves we’ve made as a team, you’ve stuck by our side at every turn. It is not lost on me that the generations of Andretti fans are the best in the business. I’m honored to be considered a fan favorite, a role model and a friend. And I thank you for a lifetime of support and, in some cases, your brutal honesty.
“But I am not going away – I will be serving as an advisor for the team and will be available to help wherever I can. While you might see me less at the racetrack, know that my passion for the sport and my support for our team, and its people, will remain unwavering.
“My hope is that you, as Andretti fans, will keep supporting our team with the same enthusiasm and loyalty that you’ve so graciously shown myself and my family over the years.
“I’m excited about the opportunity to spend more time with my beautiful family, including my 10-year-old twins, embrace my new Nonno title and explore new things on a personal level and with my other businesses. So, this isn’t a goodbye. It is just the turning of the page.”
WeatherTech, a company with a long history in motorsports and a familiar brand to race fans, will partner with two of the most visible drivers and teams in NASCAR for the 2025 season.
Between Van Gisbergen in the Cup Series and Zilisch in the Xfinity Series, WeatherTech will be the featured sponsor in 36 NASCAR races in 2025.
“When I wanted to spread our WeatherTech racing wings and get involved in NASCAR racing, our research for the best team to partner with came down to Trackhouse because we share the common values of excellence and integrity, along with their ingrained mantra of working hard to succeed and win,” said WeatherTech founder David MacNeil. “At WeatherTech, we couldn’t be happier with how our first year has unfolded and are looking forward to a successful 2025 with Trackhouse.”
WeatherTech, headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of premium American-made automotive accessories and home and pet care products. The company has a long history in sports car racing in America and became the IMSA title sponsor in 2016 and extended its agreement through 2030. It also serves as the primary sponsor of Van Gisbergen in 2024 during his rookie campaign in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
“WeatherTech has been in racing a long time and they understand what it takes to succeed in the marketplace as well as on the racetrack,” said Van Gisbergen, 35, who is a native of Auckland, New Zealand. “In fact, I have raced with (David MacNeil’s son) Cooper MacNeil in IMSA. They have been a huge supporter of mine this year and I’m looking forward to taking WeatherTech to the Cup Series in 2025. We both know there will be a huge learning curve, but we’re ready for the challenge.”
Van Gisbergen’s story is now familiar to most NASCAR fans. Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks convinced Van Gisbergen to climb behind the wheel of Trackhouse’s PROJECT91 Chevrolet at the inaugural Chicago Street Race in 2023.
Marks created PROJECT91 in 2022 to expand the organization’s global reach by fielding a Cup Series entry for renowned international racing drivers. 2007 Formula One World Champion Kimi Räikkönen raced for PROJECT91 at Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International in 2022 and at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas in 2023.
Van Gisbergen, though popular around the world, was little known to most of the NASCAR audience despite a resume that includes Supercars Championships for Triple Eight Race Engineering in 2016, 2021 and 2022, plus 78 wins and 47 pole positions making him the fourth most successful driver in series history. He also won the Bathurst 1000 in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
The NASCAR world took notice at Chicago in 2023 when he led nine laps and won the race by 1.259 seconds in overtime becoming one of six foreign-born drivers to win a Cup Series race and the first driver since Johnny Rutherford in 1963 to win his first Cup Series start.
Van Gisbergen has raced full-time with Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series in 2024, winning at Portland International Raceway, Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway and the Chicago Street Race. He’s also raced in eight Cup Series races in 2024.
While Trackhouse Racing sought out Van Gisbergen south of the equator, it only had to go to nearby Mooresville, North Carolina to find Zilisch who will race with the perennial championship-contending JR Motorsports organization. JR Motorsports, founded and owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his sister Kelley, has launched the careers of NASCAR stars like William Byron, Chase Elliott, Brad Keselowski, Tyler Reddick and others.
Zilisch has compiled an impressive resume this season that includes winning his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen (NY) International in August. He’s also won the Rolex 24 in Daytona, the Twelve Hours of Sebring, four ARCA races and a CARS Tour event. He won the pole in his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at the Circuit of the America’s in Austin, Texas in March.
While he will be a new face in the Xfinity Series in 2025, Zilisch has long been a fan of WeatherTech stemming from his sports car racing in IMSA.
“WeatherTech has been part of racing ever since I started,” said Zilisch who honed his skills on the road courses of Europe and the short tracks of America before joining Trackhouse Racing as a development driver in January. “WeatherTech has played such a significant role in the success of sports car racing in America so I feel honored I can carry their brand to the Xfinity Series. Plus, I love the paint scheme and hope to have it near the front on Saturdays and then watch Shane on Sundays in 2025.”
The No. 88 is a historic number in NASCAR.
In the Cup Series, the car number has made the trip to victory lane 76 times by legends including Earnhardt Jr., Darrell Waltrip, Dale Jarrett, Donnie Allison, Ricky Rudd, Rusty Wallace, Buddy Baker and others. In the Xfinity Series, the No. 88 has won 13 times.
Both Van Gisbergen and Zilisch hope to add to those numbers in 2025.
A return to sun, fun and speed.
All-Tech Raceway in Lake City, Fla., serves as the opening venue for the 2025 Northeast dirt Modified division, hosting the Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series (STSS) Fueled By Sunoco for the annual ‘Sunshine Swing’ Tuesday-Saturday Feb. 4-8.
Both the STSS Modifieds and STSS Crate 602 Sportsman will tackle the ultra-racy Lake City facility for the sixth consecutive year.
The 12th Short Track Super Series season will get the green flag at the Durrance family’s half-mile oval.
“All-Tech has become a must-attend event for Short Track Super Series competitors since we made our debut there in 2020,” STSS organizer Brett Deyo said. “Wendell Durrance and his staff show year after year why All-Tech earns the nickname of the ‘Hidden Gem of the South’ with the facility, grounds and track surface.”
The 2025 Modified season gets underway on Tuesday, Feb. 4 with an Open Practice session.
Four consecutive nights of racing follow for Short Track Super Series divisions, concluding on Saturday.
“After five successful Short Track Super Series visits to Florida, the ‘Sunshine Swing’ has become a staple event on our schedule,” Deyo added. “That tradition continues into 2025.”
STSS Modified and STSS Crate 602 Sportsman ‘Sunshine Swing’ champions will be crowned on Florida soil in February.
2024 ‘Sunshine Swing’ point title winners were Matt Sheppard of Savannah, N.Y. (STSS Modified) and Payton Talbot of South New Berlin, N.Y. (STSS Crate 602 Sportsman).
Complete event details, registrations and camping information will be released in the coming weeks.
All-Tech Raceway is located at 1024 SW Howell Road Lake City, FL 32024, conveniently between Jacksonville and Gainesville. To learn more, call 386.754.RACE (7223), visit www.alltechraceway.com or like ‘All-Tech Raceway’ on Facebook.
To learn more about the Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco, visit www.shorttracksuperseries.com, e-mail bdmotorsportsmedia@gmail.com, check out ‘Short Track Super Series’ on Facebook, @ShortTrack_SS on Twitter or @ShortTrackSS on Instagram.
