NASCAR granted settlement hearing

U.S. District Court Judge Kenneth Bell has granted NASCAR’s request for a judicial settlement conference in the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

NASCAR filed the request earlier this week, but had asked for a new mediator to oversee the proceedings. Although Judge Bell granted the settlement conference request, and he will oversee the conference, it will be held with designated mediator Jeffrey A. Mishkin, who has previously worked with the parties in mediation meetings. 23XI Racing and Front Row wanted to stay with Mishkin instead of bringing in someone new, which they felt would be equivalent to starting over.

“We welcome Judge Bell’s decision to bring all parties together to engage in meaningful resolution,” said Jeffrey Kessler, the lead counsel for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. “We remain open to a settlement that genuinely benefits the sport and its fans. The goals my clients have raised are clear, and the teams have affirmed them in their own declarations. From the outset, our objective has been unwavering: to secure lasting stability and growth for every team, their employees, and the sport. It’s time for all parties to step up and deliver.”

The conference will be on the morning of Oct. 21. It is the date that had previously been scheduled to hear the summary judgment request the teams had asked for, but NASCAR, in its motion for the settlement conference, felt it was a good timeframe for the parties to meet in discussion instead.

Judge Bell moved the summary judgment hearing to the morning of Oct. 23.