NASCAR Quietly Makes Rule Change Amid Lawsuit With 23XI and Front Row
In a move that’s bound to stir even more controversy, NASCAR has amended its Cup Series rulebook. There are midseason changes that appear to directly impact 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports — two teams currently locked in a legal battle with the league.
The change comes just as Ty Dillon and Ty Gibbs vie for a $1 million prize at the Brickyard 400. But behind the scenes, the legal and logistical drama is reaching full throttle.
Leaked screenshots from the updated rulebook reveal two crucial changes to NASCAR’s Open Exemption Provisional Policy. The biggest shift? NASCAR now has sole discretion to cap race fields at 40 cars. Entry for non-chartered teams will no longer rely on qualifying speed alone. But will instead be based on Team Owner Points standings. Up to six open teams can now qualify via this route.
This is an interesting rule book update just now. NASCAR has a new policy where they can limit the number of entries to 40. Then another new rule where the top Open cars in owner points would get those spots. This would prevent 23XI or Front Row from missing a race this season if… pic.twitter.com/kqligcBAGb
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) July 21, 2025
That may sound procedural, but it’s a strategic counter to the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI and Front Row, who argue the charter system unfairly blocks open teams and limits market competition. Without a charter, teams lose access to NASCAR’s lucrative $7.7 billion media revenue pool, and it becomes significantly harder to attract sponsors.
Notably, NASCAR also struck the “Open Exemption Provisional” clause from the rulebook, a last-chance entry rule for open teams. This deletion helps NASCAR argue in court that no team is outright barred from racing, weakening the plaintiffs’ “irreparable harm” claims.
Read More: The 10 Deadliest NASCAR Tracks in the US
Why This Rule Matters
Currently, Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace of 23XI are still in playoff contention, ranking fifth and 13th respectively in Owner Championship points. Still, Wallace hinted earlier this year that he might leave the team if charter status isn’t restored. Front Row’s Zane Smith, meanwhile, remains outside the playoff cutline with only three top-10 finishes.
As the season progresses and court battles intensify, NASCAR’s rule change could become a pivotal moment, both on the track and in the courtroom.
With NASCAR tightening control over race entry and making qualifications less predictable for open teams, this policy change could set a precedent—especially with more teams like JR Motorsports, Rick Ware Racing, and Richard Childress Racing potentially affected.
If these new rules hold up in court, teams without charters will have to rely solely on performance to stay competitive. For now, the pressure is on Reddick, Wallace, and Smith to prove they belong, lawsuit or not.
Stay in the Game With the Latest Scores, Highlights, and Stories — Follow GamerKoala on MSN.
