As the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season begins, controversy looms over the sport. The ongoing charter dispute between NASCAR and two of its teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM), has sent shockwaves through the garage. The disagreement has led to a lawsuit against NASCAR. Both teams challenged the fairness of the charter system and the governing body’s control over team finances.
Their lawsuit alleged that NASCAR operates as a monopoly, limiting fair competition and preventing teams from having financial security. But 23XI Racing and FRM aren’t the only ones unhappy with the situation. Veteran team owner Richard Childress of Richard Childress Racing (RCR) recently spoke out about the dispute, revealing that he too had major concerns about NASCAR’s demands. In a candid interview, he also declared his support for the teams.
Richard Childress backs Michael Jordan’s decision
NASCAR Hall of Famer Richard Childress has been working in the sport for ages. He has seen NASCAR change over the decades. He built RCR into a powerhouse team, winning multiple championships with Dale Earnhardt. However, Childress recently spoke about his frustrations regarding the charter agreement negotiations. In a candid conversation with Dale Earnhardt Jr. RCR team owner reflected on the key issues within the new charter rule. He also declared indirect support to 23XI and FRM for their lawsuit.
“I think they had a reasonable reason to not sign the agreement. We received it hours before. We had a deadline to sign it, and they signed it. I mean, I signed it. I had to. I had no choice. I have sponsors. I have everything out there. There were only three or four things that we were missing, and everyone was still trying to negotiate. And when those negotiations were over, these two guys went on their own. I’m glad to see them do it because they stood up for what they felt was right,” said Richard Childress.
While Childress ultimately signed the deal, he made it clear that NASCAR’s handling of the situation left teams scrambling. His comments reflect that negotiations were still ongoing when NASCAR forced teams into a rushed decision, leaving some feeling pressured to comply. It also reveals that many other teams would be hoping for a favorable result for 23XI and FRM over the issue.
This is a developing story.
The post Forced to Save His Family Business, Richard Childress Declares Support For Michael Jordan Against NASCAR’s ‘Unfair’ Demands appeared first on EssentiallySports.