After 14 months of exchanging barbs, where 23XI and Front Row sued NASCAR Holdings for $365 million in combined damages, the two opponents have reached a common ground. The NASCAR lawsuit’s trial is in its second week, and it has already divulged large-scale evidence. Ranging from Bob Jenkins’ harrowing losses to Jim France’s utterly stoic testimony in court, things have been jaw-dropping. However, both sides decided to put an end to this legal fiasco, leaving Rick Hendrick and Roger Penske happy.

NASCAR lawsuit concludes on a fuzzy note

“Millions of loyal NASCAR fans and thousands of hardworking people rely on our industry, and today’s resolution allows all of us to focus on what truly matters – the future of our sport. For more than 40 years, NASCAR racing has been my passion. I believe deeply in what we can accomplish if we can work together. This moment presents an important opportunity to strengthen our relationships and recommit ourselves to building a collaborative and prosperous future for all the stakeholders,” read Rick Hendrick‘s statement on Thursday.

This was in response to the settlement reached between NASCAR and Michael Jordan and Co. The full terms of the settlement are yet to be revealed. However, The Athletic confirmed that the two Cup Series teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, will regain the charters they lost this year. They will also receive some form of “evergreen” charters, which was one of the demands in the NASCAR lawsuit filed in October 2024. Immediately before that, the teams had refused to sign the new charter deal.

All entities were in a jolly mood while departing the courtroom on Thursday. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI, exchanged hugs with Jim France, CEO of NASCAR. The two plaintiff teams and their attorneys headed to a Charlotte steakhouse for a celebratory lunch. Hamlin posted a photo on Instagram of a toast with Michael Jordan and their lead attorneys.

“Today’s settlement is tremendous news for the industry. We are stronger together as a sport, and the agreement today allows all of us to focus on what’s important: the continued growth of NASCAR. The sport has never been more competitive, and today’s resolution provides the entire industry with a platform that strengthens our business and allows us to continue to entertain our millions of passionate fans in a unified way,” said Roger Penske, another high-profile Cup Series team owner.

Besides the relaxed responses from the big team owners, drivers are also happy.

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Heaving a sigh of relief

Bubba Wallace has been through a rollercoaster season in 2025. Driving the 23XI Racing No. 23 car, he performed better than in any Cup Series season in the past. He won the prestigious Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, besides staying consistent, clinching 6 top fives and 14 top tens. These achievements came under high stress, as his Cup Series team lost its charter and faced a bleak future ahead in NASCAR. So, after the NASCAR lawsuit’s settlement restored 23XI’s charters and made them permanent, Wallace was more than relieved.

“Monumental day,” Bubba Wallace tweeted, summing up the courtroom proceedings of the NASCAR lawsuit on Thursday.

With charters being made permanent, teams and drivers alike can make long-term plans for the future. Bubba Wallace will be able to drive the No. 23 without any worry and improve upon his 2025 momentum. He watched the lawsuit unfold from the sidelines, but had faith in his owners, Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, throughout. And fortunately, it all worked out in the end.

With the NASCAR lawsuit reaching an agreement, a battleground has turned into a peaceful haven. So let’s wait and see what unfolds in the upcoming 2026 season.