CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A federal judge has scheduled a hearing for January 8 to address NASCAR’s request to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit brought forth by Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

The two racing teams are currently suing NASCAR and have secured a preliminary injunction that permits them to compete as chartered teams in the year 2025.

U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth D. Bell emphasized the public’s interest in having all teams compete with their top drivers and most competitive efforts. NASCAR has indicated that it plans to appeal this ruling and is seeking to have the injunction partially stayed while the appeal is underway.

This upcoming hearing marks the continuation of the legal conflict that initiated late last season between the two teams in the NASCAR Cup Series and the governing body. Judge Bell is also set to adjudicate other motions related to the case. Additionally, he established a deadline of September 19, 2025, for the completion of discovery, and set a trial date for December 1, following the conclusion of the next racing season.

23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin, along with Front Row Motorsports, declined to accept NASCAR’s non-negotiable charter renewal proposals made in September. A charter acts as a franchise, ensuring access to prize money, as well as securing a place in weekly races and offering various protections.

In their lawsuit, the teams accused NASCAR owners of behaving like “monopolistic bullies,” and a request in November to be formally recognized as “chartered” teams was denied as the legal proceedings continue.

With the recent court decision, 23XI and Front Row are now allowed to enter into charter agreements while continuing their legal claims. They have also received approval to acquire additional charters from Stewart-Haas Racing, which is cutting back from four Cup cars to just one, though these transfers will still require NASCAR’s authorization.