The judge emphasized that the core question—whether NASCAR is engaging in anticompetitive behavior—cannot be decided based on a motion to dismiss alone. Instead, it must be resolved through discovery and ultimately a trial. Judge Bell highlighted that at this stage, the plaintiffs had raised valid antitrust claims that warranted further investigation.
The lawsuit centers around NASCAR’s charter system, which has been in place since 2016. Teams must sign a charter agreement to participate in the Cup Series races and receive a share of the revenue. The agreement includes an exclusivity provision, preventing teams from competing in other racing events. This system has been renegotiated in recent years, but the plaintiffs argue that it restricts competition and is anticompetitive.
NASCAR had removed antitrust language from its open agreements for the current year but left it in place in the charter contracts.
In December 2024, Judge Bell granted a preliminary injunction that allowed the teams to race as chartered teams instead of as open participants in the next season. NASCAR subsequently requested the court to require each plaintiff to post a bond exceeding $10 million per car in order to participate.
