The antitrust trial between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR moved into its second day on December 2, 2025, and the courtroom focused heavily on internal messages from top NASCAR officials.
The teams argue that NASCAR runs an illegal monopoly over premier stock-car racing by controlling charters, limiting competition, and blocking any chance for a rival series.
Emails and texts shared in court showed leaders clashing over revenue distribution, track exclusivity, and how far NASCAR should go to keep teams and tracks locked into its system. These documents became a major part of the case as the court examined NASCAR’s decision-making process.
Scott Prime Questioned on Emails, Leadership Friction
NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Scott Prime took the stand as lawyers presented his emails and texts. In one message, Prime compared revenue splits in Formula 1 and NASCAR, noting that F1 teams receive around 50 percent while Cup teams get only 20 to 25 percent. He wrote that owners “have a point,” according to reporting from Matt Weaver of Motorsport.com.
“We at NASCAR have all the leverage and the teams will almost have to sign whatever we put in front of them, Prime stated in another email.”
The most detailed exchange came from a May 21, 2024, group text between Prime, then-COO Steve O’Donnell, and then-president Steve Phelps. According to unsealed messages, O’Donnell said Lesa France Kennedy thought talks were “productive,” even though she did not want to hear opposing views. Phelps replied that the draft agreement was “insanity,” saying the Amanda Oliver chart showed “zero wins for the teams.”
“The approach of ‘here is a bit more money, f* off everywhere else’ is a bold strategy, Prime added.”
“O’Donnell responded that the France family’s view could push NASCAR close to a comfortable 1996, f* the teams, dictatorship, motorsport, redneck, southern, tiny sport.”
Prime told the court he regretted the language but said the frustration was real. When questioned on what NASCAR gave teams, he said they received “significant protections.” Plaintiffs argued that NASCAR kept control over charters, revenue, and decision-making. “You kept all the power,” attorney Jeffrey Kessler told Prime.
Breakaway Fears, Track Exclusivity, and Project Gold Codes
Prime was pressed about past warnings that a rival series could pull teams away. Emails from 2020 showed him writing that a breakaway could “demonstrate to team owners and drivers that there are alternatives.” He urged NASCAR to avoid a situation like the CART and IRL split in the 1990s.
Prime acknowledged an email thanking NASCAR Chief Legal Officer Amanda Oliver for preparing the exclusivity details. NASCAR later adopted two-year exclusivity agreements that extended for four more years past the end of each contract. Prime said the goal was to “protect” track partners and prevent large companies from acquiring facilities.
Court documents also revealed NASCAR’s “Project Gold Codes,” a plan created if several charter teams boycotted the 2025 Daytona 500. Files showed NASCAR even considered early discussions with the Saudi Public Investment Fund if needed to keep the season stable. “Prime responded that it is a contingency plan.”
Internal Messages and Denny Hamlin’s Key Testimony
Day 2 also revealed harsh language inside the organization. One leaked text showed Phelps calling Richard Childress a “stupid redneck” and saying he should be “taken out back and flogged.” Reports say Childress has considered legal action.
Earlier testimony from Denny Hamlin highlighted the teams’ view of NASCAR’s control. He called the proposed 2025 charter offer “essentially my team’s death certificate,” saying it would put 23XI out of business within ten years. Hamlin said NASCAR chairman Jim France claimed a team could run at about $10 million per car, though Hamlin said his costs were roughly $20 million plus $703,000 in NASCAR fees.
Hamlin defended the teams’ $205 million damages figure, saying it would “make them whole.” He said his past positive comments about NASCAR were “talking points” used to avoid backlash. He argued that driver exclusivity rules were not anti-competitive because drivers still had options, but team restrictions under NASCAR left owners with none.
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