Settlement in NASCAR antitrust trial guarantees permanent charters

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A settlement has been reached in the NASCAR antitrust trial, guaranteeing permanent charters and ending the trial Thursday morning.

NASCAR and the teams suing them – 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports – reached a settlement Thursday morning. Judge Kenneth D. Bell told them it was “the right thing to do” and said the settlement will benefit everyone in NASCAR and is something people will be happy with.

This means the case has been settled and the jury has been dismissed.

“As a part of this deal, we’re going to have evergreen charters that are going to be available, forever,” teams’ attorney Jeffrey Kessler said to the media.

NASCAR issued this joint statement with the teams:

“NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports are pleased to announce a mutually agreed-upon resolution that delivers long-term stability and creates the conditions for meaningful growth for all teams in a more competitive environment.

This resolution reflects our shared commitment to maintaining a fair and equitable framework for long-term participation in America’s premier motorsport, one that supports teams, partners, and stakeholders while ensuring fans enjoy uninterrupted access to the best racing in the world. The agreement allows all parties to move forward with a unified focus on advancing stock car racing and delivering exceptional competition for our fans.

With this matter now resolved, all parties look forward to working together, alongside all chartered race teams, to deliver world-class events, dynamic sponsorship and partner activation opportunities, and continued growth for generations to come.

As a condition of the settlement agreement, NASCAR will issue an amendment to existing charter holders detailing the updated terms for signature, which will include a form of “evergreen” charters, subject to mutual agreement. The financial terms of the settlement are confidential and will not be released.

What all parties have always agreed on is a deep love for the sport and a desire to see it fulfill its full potential. This is a landmark moment, one that ensures NASCAR’s foundation is stronger, its future is brighter, and its possibilities are greater. We extend our sincere thanks to Judge Kenneth Bell and mediator Jeffrey Mishkin for their professionalism, and guidance throughout this process and to their jury for their time.”

Denny Hamlin statement:

“I’ve cared deeply about this sport of NASCAR my entire life. Racing is all I’ve ever known and this sport shaped who I am. That’s why we were willing to shoulder the challengers that came with taking this stand. We believed it was worth fighting for a stronger and more sustainable future for everyone in the industry. Teams, drivers and partners will now have the stability and opportunity they deserve. Our commitment to the fans and to the entire NASCAR community has never been stronger. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and now it’s time to move forward together and build the stronger future this sport deserves.”

What led to the settlement?

Reports indicated Bell put court into recess right away Thursday morning to discuss a move that would “take an hour of your time but save you several in the long run.”

What led to the settlement is unclear. However, Bass Pro Shops CEO Johnny Morris issued a statement Wednesday, expressing frustration over NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps’ text message about Richard Childress that was brought to light because of the trial.

Morris’ letter, expressing deep frustration, made his company the first major sponsor to speak publicly about the case.

Jonathan Fjeld is the co-owner of the The Racing Experts, LLC. He has been with TRE since 2010.

A Twin Valley, MN, native, Fjeld became a motorsports fan at just three years old (first race was the 2002 Pennsylvania 500). He worked as a contributor and writer for TRE from 2010-18. Since then, he has stepped up and covered 24 NASCAR race weekends and taken on a larger role with TRE. He became the co-owner and managing editor in 2023 and has guided the site to massive growth in that time.

Fjeld has covered a wide array of stories and moments over the years, including Kevin Harvick’s final Cup Series season, the first NASCAR national series disqualification in over 50 years, Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning win in Chicago and the first Cup Series race at Road America in 66 years – as well as up-and-coming drivers’ stories and stories from inside the sport, like the tech it takes for Hendrick Motorsports to remain a top-tier team.

Currently, he resides in Albuquerque, N.M., where he works for KOB 4, an NBC station. He works as a digital producer and does on-air reports. He loves spending time with friends and family, playing and listening to music, exploring new places, being outdoors, reading books and writing among other activities. You can email him at fjeldjonathan@gmail.com