A federal judge on Thursday rejected a request from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they battle NASCAR in court, meaning their six cars will race as open entries this weekend at Dover,

Two teams state in court documents that "they once again will face the prospect of losing key sponsors and star drivers" if they lose their charter status.

Eventual ruling could be "damaging to NASCAR’s efforts to seek relationships with new team owners that seek to enter the 2026 Cup Series.”

U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell “rejected a request” from NASCAR teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to continue racing with charters while they continue to battle NASCAR in court.

NASCAR files response to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports requesting this week to have charter status through the rest of the season after it expired Wednesday.

Front Row Motorsports made their entry onto the NASCAR grid part-time in 2004 as Means-Jenkins Motorsports, then transitioned to full-time competition in 2005.

NASCAR hits midsummer amid legal battles involving team charters, a key part of its business model. Two teams, including Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, are suing NASCAR over antitrust issues.

Court documents contend that if 23XI and Front Row Motorsports lose their Charter rights or are forced to unwind their Charter purchases before trial that the teams could possibly go out of business