Judge Grants NASCAR Settlement Conference, Keeps Current Mediator

US District Judge Kenneth D. Bell has granted NASCAR’s request for a judicial settlement conference but has denied a request for a new mediator.

In an order filed Wednesday in federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina, Bell said he would hold a settlement conference on October 21 with NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports and the designated mediator Jeffrey A. Mishkin. NASCAR had requested a different mediator, saying Mishkin had been unable to resolve the matter, and it believed the parties should be able to reach a “reasonable resolution with the assistance of a neutral judicial officer.” Mishkin is the former executive vice president and chief legal officer of the National Basketball Association.

The hearing on motions for summary judgment and to excluded witnesses, if necessary, were originally scheduled for October 21. Bell has now moved that hearing to October 23.

The settlement conference and summary judgment hearing will both be held in Charlotte’s federal court house.

“We welcome Judge Bell’s decision to bring all parties together to engage in meaningful resolution,” Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, said in a prepared statement.

“We remain open to a settlement that genuinely benefits the sport and its fans. The goals my clients have raised are clear, and the teams have affirmed them in their own declarations.

“From the outset, our objective has been unwavering: to secure lasting stability and growth for every team, their employees, and the sport. It’s time for all parties to step up and deliver.”