Motorsports

Judge rules against NASCAR in key area; may deem Charters unlawful

Published

2 months ago

November 5, 2025

The judge overseeing the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR antitrust lawsuit ruled again in favor of the teams against the Sanctioning Body on summary judgment on Tuesday afternoon.

Summary judgment is a pretrial decision where there are no disputes of material fact. In other words, a judge could rule on the merits, based on evidence presented by both sides, and without a jury.

Judge Kenneth D. Bell has now ruled against NASCAR twice in as many weeks, first on the countersuit filed by the Sanctioning Body and now on the market definition in which the legal dispute is centered on.

Last week, Judge Bell ruled that NASCAR‘s counterclaims, alleging an anticompetitive conspiracy led by 23XI investor Curtis Polk, were not legally sound nor entirely supported by the facts.

On Tuesday, Bell ruled that the market in question is ‘premiere Stock Car racing,’ and that NASCAR is the only buyer for the services of ‘premiere Stock Car racing’ teams.

Judge Bell says NASCAR argued contradictory positions over the past year in which it countered the two teams by saying they could choose to race in F1 or IndyCar in the absence of agreeable charter terms while also arguing that it was the only place for such teams to race as the basis for why Polk would attempt to form a collective bargaining entity amongst horizontal competitors.

From the filing:

“In the Counterclaim, which alleged that the Teams unlawfully conspired in selling their racing services, NASCAR ‘deliberate[ly], clear[ly] and unambiguous[ly]’ alleged that the relevant market is ‘the market for entry of cars into NASCAR Cup Series races in the United States and any other location where a Cup Series race is held.’ This is effectively the same as the relevant market alleged by Plaintiffs – the ‘input market for premier stock car racing teams.’ The same transaction – the sale and purchase of premier stock car racing services – cannot be a different relevant market depending only on which side is complaining. Most simply put, NASCAR made a strategic decision in asserting its Counterclaim and must now live with the consequences.”

There is a legal phrase for such a contradiction, legal estoppel, and 23XI and Front Row urged Judge Bell to consider that NASCAR had estopped itself.

Bell ruled it had in the filing paragraph below:

“NASCAR argues that the relevant market that it alleges for its Counterclaim – in nearly the same words as Plaintiff describes their relevant market – is somehow not the same market. A simple example should suffice to show why NASCAR can’t play the same hand twice in different ways.

“In pursuing its Counterclaim, NASCAR argued that the Plaintiffs had market power in the relevant Cup Series market because it could not reasonably substitute IndyCar or Formula 1 racing teams or even the racing teams participating in its two lower level series. … However, in opposing Plaintiffs’ relevant market, NASCAR now contends that the same motorsports that could not supply racing teams to the Cup Series are suddenly readily available substitutes for the Cup Series teams like Plaintiffs to sell their services. Not only is it illogical, but there is no record evidence that racing teams in the various motorsports can only move from NASCAR to another motorsport but not vice-versa.”

Judge Bell issued example after example of where NASCAR estopped itself in issuing contradictory positions.

“Neither NASCAR’s executives nor its experts identified any other purchaser of premier stock car racing team services in the relevant market. See Doc. No. 231-6 (Jim France) Q: “What other stock car racing series do you view as comparable to the Cup Series in the United States?” . . . A. “I don’t know. I don’t have any right offhand.”); Doc. No. 231-7 (Steve Phelps) (Q. “Can you identify . . . any stock car racing series that is a close competitor to NASCAR in terms of prize money, television ratings, attendance, any economic metric you want to use?” … A. “Nothing comes to mind.”); …

“Therefore, NASCAR effectively has a 100% market share. And NASCAR has maintained its total share of the market for decades, as acknowledged by the experts on both sides.”

What it all means

So what does this mean? It means that the trial, scheduled to begin on December 1 will only be about if NASCAR used this market authority, in which they are the only purchaser of ‘premiere Stock Car racing teams’ to impose below market value terms on the teams when negotiating an extension to the Charter agreement that has governed the economics of the sport since 2016.

“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.

“And, establishing monopsony power for a Section 2 claim similarly leads to a finding that NASCAR has market power for purposes of Plaintiffs’ Section 1 claim, which requires a lower relevant market share threshold than is needed to infer monopoly power.”

Remember that a monopsony is when the only buyer of services imposes below market prices on the seller because it has nowhere else to provide its services too.

The judge has ruled that NASCAR is the only buyer of premiere Stock Car race teams.

NASCAR has argued that it cannot be a monopsony because it increased the revenue to signing teams from the 2016 charter agreement to the 2025 extension.

Judge Bell rejects that notion too, in part because NASCAR issued a final take it or leave it charter terms agreement to teams after two years of negotiation.

“In the face of these considerable undisputed facts, NASCAR argues that there is still a material factual dispute on the issue of its monopsony power because its payments to the Teams have increased rather than decreased over time. … First, with full control over the limited duration Charters necessary to be an economically viable Cup Series racing team, NASCAR indisputably had the power to decrease demand by denying Charters to any team that did not agree to its final Charter terms.

“The fact that it only had to use that power against the Plaintiffs doesn’t mean that it lacks monopsony power. Also, the relevant inquiry is whether NASCAR had the power to suppress team payments below competitive levels. … Evidence that NASCAR ‘increased’ payments, without reference to whether those payments reached the level of a ‘competitive’ market falls short of that proof.”

And since NASCAR, in its contradictory arguments stated they had not evaluated another equivalent buyer for the services of premiere Stock Car racing teams, the increased revenue is not enough to stave off a monopsony defense.

“NASCAR’s final argument that it lacks monopsony power because Plaintiffs and the public have numerous other sports in which to invest or to watch is also unavailing.

“Of course, Plaintiffs could exit the relevant market and fans could decide to seek entertainment elsewhere, but those options say nothing about NASCAR’s monopsony control of the relevant market.”

Is the NASCAR Charter Agreement unlawful?

The footnote that has both NASCAR and the teams that signed the new charter agreement nervous is Judge Bell suggests the entire charter agreement itself might be anticompetitive since it possibly ‘restrains trade’ from teams that otherwise would seek entry into the Cup Series.

“There is also evidence in the record from which the jury and/or the Court could conclude that the Charter agreements themselves are anticompetitive restraints on trade with respect to Cup Series aspirants who don’t have Charters.”

In other words, the charter system drove up the barrier of entry to compete in the Cup Series.

The 12 teams that signed the charter agreements issued a series of affidavits last month urging both parties to settle before there is an outcome that renders the value of the charter system moot.

NASCAR has stated on numerous fronts that it wants to reach a settlement but after two days of mediation last month, the two sides were not able to agree to terms.

NASCAR and teams react to newest ruling

In a statement, NASCAR again expresses its wish to settle but also expresses righteousness that it is not a monopsony and will appeal any decision against it to the Fourth Circuit Court should that be the result.

“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. 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.”

23XI and Front Row issued a statement as well through lead attorney Jeffrey Kessler.

“We are very pleased with the Court’s decision today, ruling in our favor. 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. 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.”

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BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s 2025 Was Fantastic

Published

9 minutes ago

December 29, 2025

Your Sports Nation

BMW has been racing motorcycles longer than cars, and started winning championships on two wheels in the mid-Twenties. Now, 100 years later, BMW Motorrad Motorsport is still winning titles and had a very successful 2025. Overall, BMW Motorrad teams and riders had 411 podium finishes with 169 wins in 2025. BMW won the FIM World Superbike championship and wrapped up 12 additional titles with customer teams and riders.

In the FIM Superbike World Championship (WorldSBK), factory rider Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won the World Championship for a second consecutive year with a BMW M 1000 RR and the RoKiT BMW Motorrad WorldSBK team.

“Toprak’s successful title defense in WorldSBK will remain unforgettable, with no fewer than 21 wins in 36 races,” said Head of BMW Motorrad Motorsport Sven Blusch. “In the FIM Endurance World Championship, we were also on course for the title in a dramatic finale until just minutes before the finish, before a technical issue prevented this potentially historic success for the BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team. But next year we will have another chance to become world champions in endurance racing as well.”

Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won his second consecutive FIM Superbike World Championship.

BMW Motorrad customer teams had great success around the world with the M 1000 RR, winning 12 titles, including two here in the U.S. Cameron Beaubier won the MotoAmerica Superbike championship with Tytlers Cycle Racing, and Andrew Lee won the MotoAmerica Superstock championship with the Orange Cat Racing team. “The BMW M 1000 RR is one of the best bikes in international racing—and this season once again showed that our customers can rely on it in championships around the globe,” said Uwe Geyer, Head of BMW Motorrad Customer Racing. “We are proud to be able to provide private teams and riders with such a strong package.”

Davey Todd on his way to a win on the streets of Macau.

BMW Motorrad Motorsport was also victorious in some of the most prestigious standalone road races in 2025. Davey Todd and Michael Dunlop finished one-two in the Isle of Mann Tourist Trophy, and Todd also won three of the five races that make up the North West 200, while Dunlop won the other two. Todd also won the Macau Motorcyle Grand Prix, with BMW riders Peter Hickman and Erno Kostamo finishing second and third to make it a BMW podium sweep. “All these successes fill us with great pride,” said Sven Blusch. “They prove that the BMW M 1000 RR is a true winning motorcycle and that our global BMW Motorrad Motorsport family is stronger than ever.”

—David Haueter
[Photos courtesy BMW]

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Motorsports

IHRA Acquires Historic Motorsports Facility in Millington, Tennessee

Published

25 minutes ago

December 29, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has acquired the historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, previously known as Memphis International Raceway, as of December 23, 2025. Opened in the late 1980s, it has a storied history in American motorsports, having hosted major drag racing events and was once sanctioned by IHRA itself. The acquisition aims to revitalize the facility as a multi-use destination for drag racing, stock car events, and community engagement, reflecting IHRA’s commitment to the region and its economic potential. Local officials praise the acquisition, highlighting its positive impact on tourism and local businesses.

By the Numbers

Facility opened in the late 1980s.
Acquisition finalized on December 23, 2025.
Previously hosted major drag racing events.

State of Play

Facility under IHRA ownership will support diverse racing events.
IHRA plans to begin facility improvements and operational preparations soon.

What’s Next

IHRA will announce updates and improvements as revitalization efforts commence, with a focus on reestablishing the facility as a premier racing destination. Future schedules and programming details will be shared shortly.

Bottom Line

This acquisition not only honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park but also positions it for renewed success within the motorsports community, fostering economic growth and community engagement for years to come.

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Motorsports

Kohr Motorsports to honor Greg Biffle with tribute paint scheme at Daytona

Published

40 minutes ago

December 29, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Kohr Motorsports will have a special paint scheme on its No. 60 Ford Mustang GT4 in the 2026 IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge season-opener at the Daytona Road Course.

Biffle, who was named one of NASCAR’s 75 greatest drivers and a winner of 56 races across all three national divisions of the sport, was tragically killed in a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, earlier this month. He was among seven killed in the tragic accident, including his wife Cristina, son Ryder, and daughter Emma.

The Kohr Motorsports entry will resemble the car Biffle drove to the 2002 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (then known as Grand National) Series championship. Evan Slater and Ray Mason will share driving duties

53 of of Biffle’s 56 wins, including all 19 of his Cup victories came with Ford.

“In light of last week’s tragedy involving one of Nascar’s 75 Greatest Drivers and off track Humanitarian, Greg Biffle [including his family & friends],” said the team in a social media statement.

“KOHR Motorsports will be running a tribute 2002 NASCAR Busch Championship No.60 Ford livery on our IMPC No.60 Ford Mustang GT4 during the upcoming IMSA Roar Before The 24 and 4 Hour BMW M Endurance Michelin Pilot Challenge.”

The event takes place on Friday, January 23rd, with the green flag flying around 1:45pm EST.

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BMW Motorrad Motorsport’s 2025 Was Fantastic

Published

56 minutes ago

December 29, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Toprak Ratzgatlioglu won his second consecutive FIM Superbike World Championship.

Davey Todd on his way to a win on the streets of Macau.

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Motorsports

IHRA Acquires Historic Motorsports Facility in Millington, Tennessee

Published

1 hour ago

December 29, 2025

Your Sports Nation

The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) has officially completed the acquisition of the historic motorsports facility in Millington, Tennessee, formerly known as Memphis International Raceway and Memphis Motorsports Park, closing on the property on December 23, 2025.

Originally opened in the late 1980s, the facility has played a significant role in American motorsports history. It has hosted major drag racing events and national touring series and was, at one point, sanctioned by IHRA, hosting IHRA-sanctioned drag racing events during that time. With the property now under IHRA ownership, the acquisition represents a full-circle moment that reconnects the track’s past with a renewed vision for its future.

The facility has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County. Under IHRA ownership, it will operate as a multi-use destination supporting drag racing, stock car competition, grassroots motorsports, and other large-scale events that engage the broader community and region.

“This investment honors the legacy of Memphis Motorsports Park while positioning it for a strong future,” said Mayor Paul Young, City of Memphis. “IHRA’s acquisition reflects confidence in our region and creates new opportunities for tourism, local businesses, and fan experiences.”

“As the Commissioner for District 1, I am thrilled about IHRA’s acquisition of Memphis Motorsports Park,” said Amber Mills, Shelby County Commissioner, District 1, Shelby County Government. “This investment strengthens our local economy, puts world-class racing back on solid ground, and gives our families and young people a safe, exciting place to create memories for years to come. Having a national organization like IHRA committed to the long-term success of this historic facility is exactly the kind of partnership Shelby County needs.”

“Memphis Motorsports Park has long contributed to tourism and economic activity in Millington and Shelby County, and IHRA’s acquisition represents a positive step forward for the facility and the community,” said Chris Thomas, Executive Director, Millington Area Chamber of Commerce. “This investment supports the continued use of the track as a regional destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and future growth. The Millington Area Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working with IHRA as this next chapter takes shape.”

“This is a special place in American motorsports,” said Darryl Cuttell, CEO of IHRA. “This facility has a deep history in drag racing and stock car competition, and our goal is to honor that legacy while building a strong, sustainable future. We are committed to bringing meaningful racing back to this property while expanding its role as a destination for a wide range of events that serve racers, fans, and the surrounding community.”

“This acquisition represents more than reopening a racetrack,” said Leah Martin, President of IHRA. “It is about restoring opportunity for racers, families, and the community. This facility aligns with IHRA’s racer-first vision and our commitment to grassroots motorsports, while also allowing the property to support diverse uses that strengthen its year-round impact.”

“Memphis Motorsports Park holds a special place in our hearts,” said Daniel Horton, Assistant Director of the IHRA Stock Car Series. “Bobby Hamilton won the 2004 Craftsman Truck Series race here in a truck built by Tim and with Danny as the crew chief. With the facility now under the IHRA umbrella, we can give grassroots racers a chance to compete where legendary drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Randy LaJoie, and the late Greg Biffle have won. We are extremely excited to bring stock car racing back to Memphis and continue the legacy of this iconic track.”

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In the coming days, IHRA will begin facility improvements and operational preparations. Fans and community members are encouraged to follow IHRA across its social media platforms for updates and behind-the-scenes coverage as revitalization efforts get underway. Further announcements regarding schedules and programming will be released in the near future.

This story was originally published on December 29, 2025. Drag Illustrated

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Philippine motorsports 2025 recap: Champions, breakthroughs & rising stars

Published

1 hour ago

December 29, 2025

Your Sports Nation

AS the engines cooled and the checkered flag waved at the close of the 2025 season, Philippine motorsports stands at full throttle — no longer just revving up, but firmly in gear.

From thrilling local events to remarkable international wins, the year was filled with pivotal milestones that showcased the country’s growing presence in the global racing arena and the undeniable rise of Filipino driving talent.

Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) Philippines led the charge with the biggest motorsports spectacle of the year — the second leg of the 2025 TGR Philippine Cup held in Villar City, Cavite. The two-day event drew thousands of motorsports enthusiasts and further cemented TGR’s commitment to growing the racing scene in the country.

In a major announcement, TGR confirmed that the 2026 season would introduce a Tamaraw One-Make Race (OMR) series, running alongside the long-standing Vios OMR championship, signaling broader participation and diversity in its racing portfolio.

Axel Nocom at the Champions of the Future Academy Series. PHOTO BY AXEL NOCOM

In the virtual world, the TGR Philippines Esports GT Championship concluded in October with Victor Ancheta crowned the 2025 champion, followed by Enzo Ison and Matthew Ang. The talented trio flew the Philippine flag in Thailand for the TGR Asia Esports GT Championship and brought home a solid fourth-place finish in the country standings — proof that Filipino excellence now extends beyond physical tracks and into the high-stakes world of sim racing.

Mazda Philippines also made headlines with the successful staging of the 2025 Mazda Fan Festa PH, a localized version of Japan’s famed Mazda gathering. The event featured adrenaline-pumping Miata OMR races, a track day experience for enthusiasts, and a grand parade that saw hundreds of Mazda vehicles creating a vibrant sea of motion. More than just a race day, the celebration embodied the brand’s dedication to performance and community.

The Philippine rally scene experienced a landmark moment with the AAP Rally of Lubang, organized by the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) in partnership with the local government of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro and the Philippine National Rally Championship (PNRC). It marked the country’s first inter-island full tarmac rally and was the first motorsports event held in the island. The success of the rally, which also served as an official PNRC round, laid the foundation for more motorsport events in the region in the coming year.

On the international front, several young Filipino racers delivered stellar performances that brought honor to the country. Zach David, a standout talent in local and international karting, has set his sights on Japan’s Super Formula Lights after a strong stint in Formula 4 across Europe and Asia. Axel Nocom continued his ascent by representing the Philippines in the Champions of the Future Academy karting series, securing a 7th place overall finish in the OK-N Junior class and clinching his first series win in the UAE’s Al Forsan leg.

Inigo Anton, a dominant figure in local slalom and touring races, elevated his career further by competing in the 2025 Formula 4 Southeast Asia Championship, where he earned the title of F4 SEA Rookie Champion. Meanwhile, 14-year-old Bella Canete made a bold mark in drifting, winning the Women’s Drift Challenge Pro-Am title in the 2025 Indonesian Drift Series despite a controversial removal from the standings late in the season. She later bounced back with a second-place finish in the Pro 2 Class at the 2026 Southeast Asia Drift Series opener at Tarlac Circuit Hill.

In September, the Philippines showcased its motorsport might at the 2025 Asia Pacific Motorsports Championship (APMC) in Sri Lanka. AAP fielded a formidable lineup that included Iñigo Anton and Axel Nocom competing in auto gymkhana, karting slalom, and sprint events, alongside Richard Gallardo, Rain Acejas, Louie Camacho, Ricardo Dy-Liacco, Ricardo Montelibano, Ryan Sy, Martin Zaragoza, Luis Moreno, and Russel Reyes. The team’s efforts paid off, winning a total of two golds, two silvers, and three bronzes — enough to earn the Philippines the Overall Country Champion title at the APMC, besting host nation Sri Lanka and third-placer Hong Kong.

Notable contributions included Anton’s gold in karting slalom, Nocom’s gold in karting sprint, Montelibano’s silver in crosscar autocross, Moreno’s silver in esports GT3, Gallardo and Acejas’ bronzes in auto gymkhana, and Reyes’ bronze in esports F4.

Reflecting on the year’s success, AAP Motorsports Manager Rikki Dy-Liacco emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to nurturing homegrown talent and supporting opportunities for international competition. “What we can expect is that your AAP will continue to monitor talent and once such opportunities to represent the country arise, we will be there to support our very own,” he said.

As the checkered flag drops on 2025, one thing is clear: Philippine motorsports is no longer warming up. With a new generation of racers and organizers shifting gears into higher performance and global ambition, the race ahead is full of promise — and the finish line is nowhere in sight.

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