Although the antitrust dispute between NASCAR and its two plaintiff teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, has now been settled, one element of the case stood out to Dale Earnhardt Jr.

After a year since 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a federal lawsuit against NASCAR and its chairman, Jim France. The parties go to court:

Kaulig will be represented by full-time drivers Brenden Queen, Daniel Dye, and Justin Haley throughout the 2026 season. The first race of the upcoming season is scheduled for February 1, 2026. Named the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, fans can watch the Cup Series event live on FOX Sports.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. raises concern that NASCAR’s permanent charters could shut new teams and limit the open-door spirit that shaped the sport.

Before the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v. NASCAR antitrust lawsuit was settled during the trial, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and sister/business partner Kelley Earnhardt-Miller took to their podcast studio to discuss some of their thoughts at the time.

Former NASCAR driver Steve Spencer, who raced in the 1970s and 1980s, has pointed out that the sport has lost its spirit since then.

Hendrick and Penske welcome NASCAR’s settlement with 23XI and Front Row, calling it a major step toward unity and long-term growth.

That settlement is a new charter system called "evergreen charters", meaning teams are going to get permanent team charters, which was the main point of Jordan, driver Danny Hamlin and their team's lawsuit. Although the financial agreements between the two sides will not be publicly disclosed.