Overview
- NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell testified that teams sought an early overhaul of the revenue model in 2022, while chairman Jim France opposed a new approach as executives weighed fears of a breakaway series.
- Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins told the jury he has lost roughly $100 million since the early 2000s, estimating about $6.8 million in annual losses as Cup operations cost about $20 million per car versus $12.5 million in guaranteed charter payouts.
- Jenkins said Next Gen vendor rules pushed parts spending from about $1.8 million to nearly $4.7 million per year, with weekly nose and tail piece costs near $30,000 that teams are not permitted to repair themselves.
- Internal communications presented in court showed senior officials lamenting “zero wins for the teams,” as plaintiffs highlighted a Sept. 6, 2024 charter proposal sent at 6 p.m. with a midnight deadline that 13 of 15 organizations signed while 23XI and Front Row refused.
- NASCAR argued it has not restrained trade and noted original charters were granted for free, while O’Donnell testified the series absorbed losses on events such as Chicago (about $55 million over three years) and Mexico City (about $6 million) to expand reach and secure media partners; the trial continues with more high-profile witnesses expected.