23XI Racing President Steve Lauletta shares latest on potential NASCAR penalty for Bubba Wallace after Martinsville

Not even a full 24 hours after last night’s controversial elimination race at Martinsville, 23XI Racing president Steve Lauletta is talking to the media. Of course, it is only part of the usual Championship 4 media days, but he had a lot of interesting questions to answer.

NASCAR said it wasn’t a concern regarding the race results. However, officials are looking over SMT data and radio communications to determine if race manipulation occurred with Chevy and Toyota.

On the Toyota side, it directly involves 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace. He was very slow on the final lap and Christopher Bell was able to get by him.

Lauletta says, according to Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, that 23XI has not been contacted by NASCAR regarding Wallace. So, it’s still a process. Or, NASCAR feels no need to speak with 23XI.

Of course, the two parties are tied up in litigation right now. Today is the hearing for a preliminary injunction. That would allow 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to operate as chartered teams, business as usual. That is, for the duration and pending the results of the lawsuit.

23XI Racing attends hearing for preliminary injunction

Today, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports as well as NASCAR will be in court for a hearing regarding the preliminary injunction. The two sides will make their arguments in person and then a judge will make a determination. We could have a decision as early as this afternoon.

While we could get a decision today, the judge could take time. If granted, 23XI Racing and Front Row will be able to sign the charter agreements, without abiding by the section that forfeits their antitrust claims.

Of course, NASCAR does not want this to happen. They are looking to push the two teams out next season. The attorneys for NASCAR have stated that they plan to race 32 chartered cars in 2025 instead of 36. Then there is the equation of the two Stewart-Haas charters 23XI and Front Row purchased.

23XI Racing has a lot going on right now. Tyler Reddick in the Championship 4. Bubba Wallace could get hit with race manipulation. Then you have the lawsuit, which will be ongoing for months if not a year or two.