The NASCAR lawsuit took another turn last week as the two sides met in court for a preliminary injunction hearing. Judge Kenneth Bell ultimately decided not to grant that injunction earlier this week after days of deliberation.
Of course, the NASCAR lawsuit has far-reaching ramifications for those not involved. The entire sport is watching each week to see what new twist or turn will happen.
Then there is the question of what this is all about. You would think it’s about charters. It’s not. But that doesn’t mean the case and ensuing trial this December can’t change the charter system.
Over on Door Bumper Clear this week, the hosts went over the hearing and what the potential fallout of this lawsuit could be. Freddit Kraft, Tommy Baldwin, and Karsyn Elledge were joined by TJ Majors this week.
The group went around, with Majors finally asking Baldwin his thoughts on the NASCAR lawsuit. It doesn’t look good to the Rick Ware Racing Competition Director.
“I think you have two sides that are very strong-willed groups, and then you have two lawyers that have gone up against each other many, many times in these type of situations and don’t like each other,” Baldwin explained. “Unfortunately, I think it’s going to get worse, a lot worse, before it maybe going to get better.
“I don’t think, personally, if it goes to trial, I don’t think anybody’s going to win-win. I mean, NASCAR has a lot to lose, right? According to the judge’s comments, he could do whatever he wants. Our sport could change because of this lawsuit. Maybe that’s what the other side wants, right? For it to change. That’s obviously why they’re suing and didn’t sign the agreements. It’s pretty interesting that NASCAR now is holding those six charters until after the lawsuit now.”
Tommy Baldwin is right about the NASCAR lawsuit. Things could change and in a major way. Likely, not a way that NASCAR and, particularly, the France family wants it to change. Of course, there could be adverse effects for the teams, including 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
Antitrust lawsuits have changed the face of sports more than once. The NCAA is the most obvious example in recent years. What will the future of NASCAR look like after the lawsuit? The teams have pointed at NASCAR’s track ownership, ARCA ownership, Next Gen car, single-source parts, and more as monopolistic activity. They might have a case.
