Motorsports
Cup teams earn early win as NASCAR lawsuit trial takes shape
Cup Series driver and 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin and NASCAR Hall of Famer and Hendrick Motorsports team owner Rick Hendrick talk on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship on Nov. 1, 2025, at Phoenix Raceway.
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A key element of an argument NASCAR would’ve used at its December trial has been rendered moot by the court.
In other words: Tuesday marked an early — but nonetheless big — win for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell granted the teams’ motion to define the relevant market as “premier stock car racing” and ruled that NASCAR is the only buyer for the services of “premier stock car racing teams.” NASCAR, thus, can no longer argue that the Cup teams have the option to compete in other racing series or own teams in other motorsports.
This makes NASCAR more vulnerable, in theory, to the Cup teams’ claims that NASCAR has illegally used its power to keep competition from sprouting in the U.S.
“A very high market share, which is durable, along with high barriers to entry is a well-established basis for a finding of monopolization,” Bell wrote Tuesday.
Bell added: “In sum, NASCAR plainly exercises monopsony power in the relevant market under the governing analysis. Not only has it operated the only premier stock car racing series in the United States for many years, the barriers for others to enter the market (availability of large racing tracks, highly qualified racing car teams, etc.) are obvious.
“Therefore, plaintiffs are entitled to summary judgment that NASCAR has monopsony power in the relevant market in partial support of its Section 2 Sherman Act claim.”
This ruling is a big splash as NASCAR and plaintiff teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports gear up for trial in Charlotte to punctuate a lawsuit in which 23XI and FRM assert that NASCAR is a monopoly. The two teams did so in October 2024.
23XI Racing is co-owned by sports icon Michael Jordan and Cup star Denny Hamlin. Front Row Motorsports is owned by Bob Jenkins. Their lead attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, wrote that he and his team “are very pleased with the court’s decision” Tuesday evening.
“Not only does it deny NASCAR’s motion for summary judgment, but it also grants our partial summary judgment motion, finding that NASCAR has monopoly power in a properly defined market,” Kessler wrote. “This means that the trial can now be focused on whether NASCAR has maintained that power through anticompetitive acts and used that power to harm teams.
“We’re prepared to present our case to the jury and are focused on obtaining a verdict that benefits all of the teams, partners, drivers and the fans.”
NASCAR also released a statement Tuesday.
“NASCAR looks forward to proving that it became the leading motorsport in the United States through hard work, risk-taking and many significant investments over the past 77 years,” NASCAR wrote. “The antitrust laws encourage this — and NASCAR has done nothing anticompetitive in building the sport from the ground up since 1948.
“While we respect the court’s decision, we believe it is legally flawed and we will address it at trial and in the Fourth Circuit if necessary. NASCAR believes in the charter system and will continue to defend it from 23XI and Front Row’s efforts to claim that the charter system itself is anticompetitive.”
Beyond Tuesday’s news, here’s a look at what else happened recently that has already given the trial shape — from who will be called to the witness stand, to which financial disclosures will be discussed, to the likelihood of a settlement.
Who is going to serve as witnesses in NASCAR trial?
The biggest news Tuesday was how the court was going to define the relevant market in the antitrust case, no doubt. Still, there were some pretrial motions that were intriguing and offered a glimpse as to what the trial in December in front of a jury in Charlotte could look like.
First things first: Witnesses.
Some of the biggest names in American stock car racing will be called to the witness stand if NASCAR and plaintiff Cup Series teams 23XI and FRM go to trial in December. That list includes Richard Childress, Heather Gibbs, Steve Newmark, Rob Kauffman and Roger Penske, according to one of several filings Monday.
It also includes Rick Hendrick — owner of the winningest team in Cup Series history Hendrick Motorsports, which is fresh off another Cup championship won by Kyle Larson on Sunday.
Financial disclosures: What does NASCAR make and spend each year?
Next up: Financial disclosures.
In recent filings, NASCAR wrote that the personal finances of the France family — the founding owners of NASCAR — should be off limits if the personal finances of Jordan, Hamlin and Jenkins remain undisclosed, too.
NASCAR argues that “such information is relevant and not unfairly prejudicial or confusing,” adding that the “plaintiffs’ one-sided approach to the evidence presented at trial should be rejected.”
But there will be other key recent financial disclosures brought to light in court. Many will come from the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Charter Agreement — which was recently unsealed and made publicly available for everyone.
Among the disclosures from the 2025 charter agreement:
— NASCAR’s financial statements from 2015-24, terms of the old charter agreement. The sanctioning body’s comprehensive net income was more than $537 million in 2023 — which included a major land sale — and $103 million in 2024.
— How much money goes to each race team on race day under the new charter agreement. The Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway, for instance, carried a total purse of $12,394,135. For the first time, the public saw how much that amounted to: The race winner gets 5.160% of the purse (approximately $639,516); second place gets 4.067% ($503,626) and so on. The last place car — 40th — gets 1.627% ($207,300), according to the charter document.
— How much teams earn based on their final position under the new charter agreement. In 2025, the No. 5 team won the owner’s championship (as well as the driver’s championship) and thus earned approximately $2.84 million from NASCAR. The fifth-place team earned approximately $2.12 million. The 36th-place (last-placed) team earned $48,000.
NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps provided context to these disclosures in his “state of the sport” annual news conference at Phoenix Raceway on Friday, two days after the 2025 charter agreement was released. He made clear that the financials are “not something we at NASCAR are hiding from,” adding that he encourages everyone to “really think about what you’re seeing and how it comes to life each weekend for fans, partners and race teams.”
“The 2025 charter agreement is an improvement on the 2016 framework with enhancements that reflect real progress for teams and the sport,” Phelps said. That includes “over $3 billion in guaranteed payments to the teams, enterprise value that is roughly $1.5 billion now to the race teams, guaranteed starting positions each week that allow teams to sell sponsorship on the best billboards in sports — the Next Gen car — and charters guaranteed for 14 years until at least 2039, plus an obligation to negotiate in good faith beyond that.”
Phelps added: “The bottom line here is NASCAR is committed to charters.”
Phelps went on to say that the charter system is a critical part of the sport — as race team owners and executives have stated — and that NASCAR will “continue to defend and preserve it.” He also clarified though that the sport of NASCAR is “more than just the Cup Series” — it’s two other national series as well as grassroots series.
“NASCAR’s balance sheet has more than $1.2 billion in invested capital, meaning the vast majority of what we make is invested back into the sport, our race teams and our people,” Phelps said. He added that “teams receive about $1.1 billion per year from their sponsors and from NASCAR combined.”
“We believe our charters are fair and equitable,” Phelps said. “We did our best to support the race teams without destabilizing our sport and compromising our ability to deliver for fans well into the future.”
Will NASCAR settle with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports before trial?
Both sides have previously publicly stated their desires to settle prior to the December trial. A report in The Athletic said that a settlement could’ve been announced as early as last week — shortly after a two-day judicial settlement conference that nearly availed a resolution, the report said.
Phelps went on record last week — again — to state that it is NASCAR’s goal to resolve the case before trial.
“NASCAR is fully aligned with our race team partners who have submitted declarations hoping to end this litigation,” Phelps said. “We are trying our hardest. I am trying my hardest both as a fan as well as the commissioner of this sport that I’ve loved since I was 5 years old.
“While two of the teams of 15 teams may not share that view, and seem set on an unfortunate court battle, I hope that we can all agree that our racing is as good as it has ever been, and we care about how we serve our fans.”
Alex Zietlow
The Charlotte Observer
Racing America is devastated to confirm the sudden passing of Chief Operating Officer Michael Printup at 60 years of age. Michael was an icon in motorsports, a great partner and a friend. His passion for racing and commitment to the industry made a lasting impact on the sport. He will be deeply missed. Racing America sends our thoughts and condolences to Michael’s family, friends and colleagues.
Michael first joined Racing America in July 2023 as the President of Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA). In January 2024, he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli, as well as all racing operations. A native of Hamburg, N.Y., Michael spent nearly three decades working for NASCAR, most notably in the role of president of Watkins Glen International. He was also president of Americrown and oversaw the Levy food service contract for 12 NASCAR-owned racetracks.
Michael leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, two boys Brendan (and wife Caitlin) and Matthew, and two granddaughters, Sophia and Vivienne.
A memorial service for Michael will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 from 2-4 p.m. at James A. Dyal Funeral Home (303 S. Main Street, Summerville, SC 29483)
Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
Motorsports
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing Announce Strategic Partnership for 2026 Mustang Challenge
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson
Wheelhouse
+1 910-658-1447
email us here
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability
for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this
article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@xpr.media
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering returns to Monterey Car Week Aug. 14, 2026, to celebrate the world’s most iconic automotive brands and historic vehicles, company officials stated in a press release. The event will showcase four featured classes and an exclusive collector series. The 23rd annual event will also include more than a dozen vehicle debuts from top OEMs and designers and a curated display of hundreds of rare and unique vehicles.
Four celebrated classes will take center stage at next year’s event: The 100th Anniversary of Route 66, The Lamborghini Diablo, The Legacy of Japanese GTs, and The Ferrari F40.
The 100th Anniversary of Route 66
Spanning nearly 2,500 miles from Chicago to Santa Monica, Route 66 symbolizes freedom, adventure and the enduring spirit of the American road trip, noted the release. This special featured class will pay tribute to the highway’s cultural impact through a curated lineup of classic vehicles that once traveled America’s “Mother Road,” each honoring Route 66’s role in shaping American automotive history and inspiring generations of travelers.
The Lamborghini Diablo
The Lamborghini Diablo featured class will celebrate the “poster car” of the 1990s. Lamborghini’s first model capable of exceeding 200 mph and a former holder of the world’s fastest production car title, the Diablo stands as an icon of futuristic design and breakthrough engineering, solidifying Lamborghini’s standing as a trailblazer in modern supercar performance, event organizers said. The class will include Diablo examples, highlighting rare specifications and limited-production editions.
The Legacy of Japanese GTs
Celebrating the legacy of Japanese automotive craftsmanship, the artistry of customizable styling and advanced technology, The Legacy of Japanese GTs class will showcase a selection of the most influential and sought-after models. Famous for their distinctive blend of performance, precision and tunability, Japanese GTs have earned a devoted following among enthusiasts worldwide.
The Ferrari F40
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will honor an iconic Ferrari model for the second consecutive year with The Ferrari F40 featured class. Celebrated as one of the most iconic supercars ever built and introduced in 1987 to commemorate Ferrari’s 40th anniversary, the F40 was the final Ferrari model to be personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. This class will highlight the raw performance and engineering excellence that continue to define Ferrari’s legacy.
The Bruce Meyer Collection
The Quail will also introduce an all-new collector series that will highlight unique collections from renowned collectors and enthusiasts. Among them, Bruce Meyer is widely recognized as one of the most passionate and influential car collectors in the hot rod and classic car spaces. Driven by his signature mantra, “never lift,” Meyer has assembled one of the finest private collections of Le Mans-winning race cars, Bonneville land speed cars, trend-setting hot rods and many other cars and motorcycles of historical significance. The Bruce Meyer Collection will present an exclusive selection that reflects his profound appreciation for the automotive hobby.
Timeless Craftsmanship & Heritage Will Be on Display at The Quail
“Our new featured classes, alongside the debut of the collector series, are propelling The Quail into an exciting new era,” said Gordon McCall, director of motorsports at The Quail. “Collectively, they showcase emerging technologies and design philosophies, while upholding the timeless craftsmanship and heritage that have been at the heart of this event for more than two decades.”
The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will also include eight returning traditional classes, including Custom Coachwork, Pre-War Sports and Racing Cars, Post-War Sports Cars 1945-60, Post-War Sports Cars 1961-75, Post-War Racing Cars, Sports and Racing Motorcycles, Evolution of the Supercar and The Great Ferraris.
The vehicle entrant application is currently open.
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Motorsports
Business Leader and Former NASCAR Team Marketing Executive Tony Priscaro Releases His New Book Still Standing, A Real-World Guide to Building Credibility When the Stakes Are High – Speedway Digest
Tony Priscaro, founder of PK Velocity Sports & Entertainment and a veteran sports marketing executive, has released his debut book, Still Standing, now available on Amazon and Kindle. The book delivers a candid, practical look at leadership, resilience, and value creation drawn from decades operating at the intersection of professional sports and business.
Unlike traditional business books rooted in theory, Still Standing is built on real-world execution—closing high-stakes deals, navigating career pivots, managing risk, and rebuilding momentum when circumstances collapse.
“This isn’t a book about success,” said Priscaro. “It’s about what happens between success—the pressure, the setbacks, the moments where quitting feels logical but staying the course matters most.”
Priscaro’s career spans professional sports marketing, NASCAR sponsorship strategy, corporate partnerships, and brand development. In Still Standing, he translates lessons learned in high-pressure sports environments into actionable insights for business leaders, entrepreneurs, and sales professionals.
“In sports, there’s no room for excuses,” Priscaro said. “You either deliver or you don’t. That same reality exists in business—especially when trust, reputation, and credibility are on the line.”
A Business Book Disguised as a Story
While the book draws on experiences from NASCAR, professional basketball, and national brand partnerships, Still Standing is ultimately about business fundamentals: decision-making under uncertainty, earning trust without credentials, and creating value when resources are limited.
“Brands don’t care where you went to school,” Priscaro noted. “They care if you can reduce risk, execute consistently, and deliver results. That lesson applies to every industry.”
The book has already begun resonating with professionals navigating career transitions, leadership challenges, and entrepreneurial risk.
Supporting Speaking & Executive Engagements
The release of Still Standing coincides with Priscaro’s expanded focus on executive speaking engagements and business workshops. His talks center on leadership under pressure, credibility over credentials, and what professional sports reveal about how decisions are really made in business.
“I didn’t write this book to sell books,” said Priscaro. “I wrote it to start conversations—with leaders, teams, and organizations that want to perform when the stakes are real.”
Tony Priscaro PR
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