The recent antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR did more than raise legal questions. It also revealed how many fans feel about the sport right now. During the case, a noticeable reaction spread across social media. Some fans were openly cheering against NASCAR itself.
Retired driver and NASCAR analyst Kenny Wallace noticed it and spoke about it on “Coffee With Kenny.” According to Wallace, this response was not about lawyers or court filings. It reflected long-running frustration among fans.
The lawsuit, filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, brought those feelings into the open. While NASCAR later settled, Wallace believes the fan reaction during the case tells a larger story about trust, change, and dissatisfaction within the sport.
The lawsuit that triggered the reaction
The lawsuit was filed in late 2024 by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The teams accused NASCAR of anticompetitive behavior tied to the charter system. Charters were introduced in 2016 and guarantee teams entry into Cup Series races along with a share of revenue. Teams argued that NASCAR held too much control over the system, limiting their ability to operate freely.
The lawsuit moved forward for months before NASCAR settled with the teams. The agreement ended the case before it reached a full trial.
While the legal fight focused on business terms, Wallace said fans reacted emotionally. He saw it across social media and in comments on his own platforms.
“During the NASCAR trial, I noticed a psychological shift, Wallace said.” “The fans were very excited that NASCAR was being sued.”
What Kenny Wallace saw from fans online
Wallace said the fan reaction went beyond simple curiosity. He noticed fans openly celebrating the idea of NASCAR losing in court. “It was bringing the fans a lot of happiness, Wallace said.”
According to Wallace, many fans were not supporting the teams directly. Instead, they were reacting to NASCAR as an organization. He said the volume of those comments stood out.
“There was a larger group of people that like NASCAR losing that trial, Wallace said.” “They’re like, ‘Yeah, yeah, NASCAR’s losing the trial.”
Wallace explained that fans were not focused on legal details. Their reaction came from years of disagreement with the decisions NASCAR has made. He said the lawsuit became a symbol of accountability in the eyes of fans.
Longstanding issues fans keep pointing to
Wallace connected the fan response to specific changes NASCAR has made in recent years. He said fans often mention the placement of car numbers and the current playoff points system.
“They’re getting what they deserve, Wallace said.” “Because they won’t move the number to the middle of the car, and they won’t go back to normal points.”
The number placement changed with the introduction of the Next Gen car, which debuted in 2022. NASCAR moved the numbers forward on the doors to create more space for sponsor logos. The playoff system, introduced earlier, replaced the season-long points format with an elimination-style championship.
Wallace said these topics came up again as soon as news of the settlement broke.
“Within one hour, I seen my timeline filling up, Wallace said.” “What about the car? What about the points? What about the number on the car?”
He added that fan reactions happen quickly online. “Fans move fast, Wallace said.”
The settlement ended the lawsuit, but Wallace believes the fan reaction showed unresolved issues. The cheers during the case were not about the courtroom. They reflected frustration that many fans feel has gone unanswered.
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