A Trial Where No One Wins

Published: Mon, 12/08/25

Updated: Mon, 12/08/25

Frontstretch Newsletter: Dec. 8, 2025
Volume XIX, Edition CCIX

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What to Watch: Monday

- The 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports vs. NASCAR trial enters into Week No. 2 this morning. There will be plenty of testimony to be had. Roger Penske, a witness for NASCAR, has apparently indicated that he would only be available to testify today. However, the trial likely will not progress to the point where he could take the stand before court is dismissed for the day.

- In Florida, Five Flags Speedway will try once again to get the 58th Annual Snowball Derby in. Coverage from Pensacola is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. ET this afternoon on FLORacing.

FOLLOW THE FRONTSTRETCH IN CHARLOTTE THROUGH OUR COLLEAGUE:

Stephen Stumpf (@stephen_stumpf)

Also, don't forget to follow our Twitter page, @Frontstretch as well for updates from Charlotte!

TV Schedule: Here

Today's Top News:

Max Verstappen Wins Grand Prix, Lando Norris Wins 2025 F1 Drivers’ Title in Abu Dhabi

Red Bull's Max Verstappen was never seriously threatened Sunday en route to his eighth win of 2026 in Abu Dhabi. Oscar Piastri was second, then Lando Norris, Charles Leclerc and George Russell. The third-place was enough for Norris to win the World Championship.

Former NASCAR Driver Michael Annett Dead at 39

Michael Annett, a former racer who won races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and in ARCA, died Friday at the age of 39.

NASCAR Vs. 23XI/FRM Lawsuit Day 5 Recap

On Friday in Charlotte, NASCAR president Steve O'Donnell finished his testimony, while Michael Jordan took the stand.

Here’s What Happened in the 23XI/FRM Lawsuit vs. NASCAR This Week (Nov. 29-Dec. 5)

A lot has happened with the court case this week in Charlotte. We have a primer to help you catch up.

Photos are courtesy of Nigel Kinrade Photography, Zak Mauger of LAT Images and our own Chase Folsom.

Have news for Frontstretch? Don't hesitate to let us know; email us at frontstretcheditors@googlegroups.com with a promising lead or tip.

Around the World in Motorsports: Dec. 5-8

- TRICON Garage made it official Friday. Kaden Honeycutt will replace NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion Corey Heim in the No. 11 Toyota in 2026.

Honeycutt comes to TRICON Garage after splitting his season between three different teams. He started his year with Niece Motorsports and ran well there. During the summer, he indicated to Niece Motorsports owner Al Niece that he had signed with another manufacturer (Toyota) for 2026. That resulted in Honeycutt getting released in early August.

At Watkins Glen, Honeycutt made a one-off appearance with Young's Motorsports. For the remainder of the season from that point, he drove the No. 52 Toyota for Halmar Friesen Racing in place of the injured Stewart Friesen. In the No. 52, Honeycutt advanced to the Championship 4 with strong form.

Ultimately, Honeycutt finished third in points with four top-five and 14 top 10 finishes with a best finish of second at Martinsville in October.

- Speaking of Stewart Friesen, there is good news to report. Friesen is now walking without the aid of crutches for short distances. That is a major step forward in his recovery from his massive crash at Autodrome Drummond back on July 28.

Friesen intends to be ready to go in order to start the Craftsman Truck Series season at Daytona in February. While that is not necessary guaranteed, he is working towards that goal.

- Rick Ware Racing announced Monday morning that they have entered into a technical alliance with Richard Childress Racing. As a result, the team will switch from Ford to Chevrolet for the 2026 season.

- The 58th Annual Snowball Derby Sunday was wiped out due to rain and fog. The race has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. ET Monday afternoon.

- Saturday night's Allen Turner Snowflake 125 was delayed for hours due to rain. Keelan Harvick took the lead from Tristan McKee on lap 101 and held on to win the pro late model feature. With the adverse weather Saturday, Harvick did not take the checkered flag until nearly 4:30 a.m. ET. At age 13, Harvick is the youngest-ever Snowflake winner.

McKee finished second, followed by Kaden Honeycutt and Isaac Kitzmiller. Luke Baldwin was fifth.

Frontstretch Video:

Denny Hamlin: "You're Right" to Fan Holding "NASCAR, Your Fans Deserve Better" Sign

Today at Frontstretch:

Holding a Pretty Wheel: In NASCourt, There Are No Winners

by Amy Henderson

4 Takeaways From the NASCAR vs. 23XI/FRM Trial, Day 5

by Anthony Damcott

F1 Review: Lando “Can Do!” Lando Norris Crowned World Champion As Max Verstappen Takes Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Win

by Jeffrey Boswell

Bringing the Heat: Reacting to Day 5 of the NASCAR vs. 23XI/FRM Trial

with Dalton Hopkins, Trey Lyle and Michael Massie

Tomorrow at Frontstretch.com:

We'll recap Day No. 6 of the 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports vs. NASCAR court case and the rescheduled Snowball Derby.

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