NASCAR Legal Battle, IndyCar Eyes Mexico, and MotoGP Injury Drama: Motorsport’s Busy Week

NASCAR Pushes Back in Charter Lawsuit

In a late-night filing on Monday, NASCAR laid out its case against a new preliminary injunction that would return lost charters to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. If granted, the injunction would restore the six charters those teams lost earlier this summer. If denied, NASCAR would regain control and could sell them to new ownership groups ahead of the 2026 season. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for August 28, just as the Cup Series Playoffs begin.

NASCAR insists there are “many eager potential entrants” ready to buy into the Cup Series, although the identities of these interested parties remain redacted in the court filing. The sanctioning body argues that selling the charters would create “a unique opportunity to bring in new teams that would delight fans and inject valuable innovation and investment into the sport.” NASCAR also pushed back against antitrust claims, pointing out that drivers and teams are free to compete in other stock car disciplines such as the CARS Tour, and claiming the sport is not a monopoly.

The filing even called out 23XI co-owner Michael Jordan by name, accusing him of attempting to “use litigation to grant him a permanent charter that no other team has.” NASCAR pointed to increases in team payments under the 2016 and current Charter Agreements, as well as its share of revenue distribution compared to Formula 1, to show its financial commitment to teams.

The urgency lies in the calendar. NASCAR argues that if the case drags on until its December 2025 trial date, there will not be enough time for new teams to prepare for the 2026 Daytona 500. According to NASCAR, an October 1, 2025, deadline would be the latest a new entrant could realistically gear up for a competitive debut. With high stakes on both sides, this looming court decision could redefine the competitive and financial landscape of NASCAR for years to come.

IndyCar Sets Sights on Mexico City

While NASCAR’s Mexico plans appear shelved for now, IndyCar is positioning itself to fill that gap. With NASCAR absent from the country in 2026, Roger Penske’s series has accelerated talks to bring IndyCar back to Mexico City for the first time since Champ Car raced there in 2007.

The proposed event would slot neatly into the 2026 calendar. After opening in St. Petersburg (March 8) and traveling to the new Arlington street race in Texas (March 13–15), IndyCar has left nearly a month-long gap before Long Beach in April. Officials see this window as the perfect spot to stage a race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. IndyCar representatives reportedly toured the facility last week and continue to negotiate with local promoter Grupo Rentable.

The series still faces decisions on which track layout to use, the full Formula 1 Grand Prix circuit or the shortened NASCAR configuration as well as financial negotiations over the hosting rights fee. Grupo Rentable has experience through its “Speed Fest” events, which blend motorsport with concerts and entertainment, but CIE-Ocesa (the promoter of Mexico’s F1 and NASCAR races) may also come into play. A potential partnership between the two companies could lower financial risks while ensuring the race’s long-term stability.

Perhaps most importantly, IndyCar would benefit from its own local star power. Pato O’Ward has become one of the series’ biggest names, sparking a wave of “Patomania” across Mexico. With O’Ward a frontrunner in the championship, fan support would likely translate into strong ticket sales and vibrant crowds. If the deal is completed soon, IndyCar’s 2026 season could feature one of its most exciting international additions in nearly two decades.

Aleix Espargaró Injured Again, LCR’s Rider Struggles Continue

Meanwhile in MotoGP, LCR Honda’s #35 entry continues to be plagued by misfortune. Aleix Espargaró, who was set to substitute for the injured Somkiat Chantra at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, has withdrawn after yet another cycling accident. The Spaniard arrived at Balaton Park with severe back pain, and medical checks revealed an injury to his L3 vertebra. He has since returned to Barcelona for further evaluation.

This marks the fourth consecutive race where LCR has scrambled to fill the seat. The saga began when Chantra crashed in training before the German Grand Prix, sidelining him for multiple rounds. While Johann Zarco has carried the team alone, the constant changes to the second bike have hindered the squad’s consistency and development.

Chantra, however, is working toward a return at the Catalan Grand Prix in early September. Having spent two weeks recovering in Thailand, he has now resumed intensive rehabilitation in Barcelona with the aim of rejoining the grid at his home team’s race. Team boss Lucio Cecchinello confirmed that Chantra’s progress is promising, but his MotoGP future remains uncertain.

With rising Moto2 talent Diogo Moreira set to join LCR in 2026, Chantra’s chances of retaining his spot appear slim. Espargaró’s injury only adds to the turbulence, highlighting how quickly fortunes can shift in MotoGP. For LCR, the Hungarian weekend has become yet another uphill battle in a season already defined by instability.