Overview
- U.S. District Judge Kenneth D. Bell granted partial summary judgment defining the relevant market as premier stock-car racing with NASCAR in control.
- NASCAR’s bid to end the case was denied, leaving a jury to decide whether the series maintained market power through anticompetitive acts.
- The court leaned on NASCAR’s own counterclaim framing of the market, finding the sanctioning body cannot argue different market definitions depending on the posture of the case.
- Bell indicated the 2025 charter framework could be viewed as a restraint on teams seeking Cup Series entry, putting the system’s legality at risk at trial.
- The trial is set for Dec. 1 in Charlotte; NASCAR called the ruling legally flawed and signaled a possible appeal, while Commissioner Steve Phelps said the series is trying to settle.