NASCAR Faces Claims of Massive Team Underpayment as Antitrust Trial Intensifies

NASCAR’s long-running antitrust battle with several of its Cup Series teams has taken another sharp turn this week, as new economic analysis suggests the sanctioning body may have underpaid competitors by more than $1 billion over a four-year period.

According to expert testimony presented in federal court, revenue allocated to teams-primarily through prize money and shared distributions-fell dramatically short of what would be expected in a competitive, transparent system. The figures, described as “structurally suppressed,” point to a sizeable imbalance between NASCAR’s commercial earnings and the amount reaching the garages that form the backbone of the sport.

While the series has faced criticism before regarding its revenue model, this is the first time a detailed, independent valuation has quantified the alleged gap so bluntly. The testimony is expected to play a significant role as teams push for a restructured financial framework, arguing that the current system weakens competitive stability and discourages long-term investment.

Behind the scenes, the tension is rising. Several team executives privately admit that without a more sustainable revenue split, attracting sponsors, young talent, and even technical partners becomes significantly harder. It’s a development that could reshape the competitive landscape of stock-car racing-both on and off the track.

The case continues, with further testimony scheduled in the coming weeks. Whatever the final ruling, the financial architecture of NASCAR may be headed for its most significant shake-up in decades.

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