Commissioner Steve Phelps testified Tuesday throughout a federal antitrust trial.
Phelps took the stand on the seventh day of a trial by which two groups are suing NASCAR for alleged monopolistic practices. He rapidly confronted a query about his wage.
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Phelps, NASCAR’s president on the time of 2024 constitution negotiations, is making a as commissioner, with as much as an extra $2.5 million in bonuses. Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports activities famous that he testified to receiving $1.6 million with as much as $3.25 million in bonuses as president.
Explaining NASCAR lawsuit
Entrance Row Motorsports and 23XI Racing have been the one two of 15 Cup Collection groups that refused to signal a multi-year constitution settlement final September. They as an alternative sued NASCAR for allegedly violating the Sherman Antitrust Act after failing to satisfy an imposed deadline.
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NASCAR countersued each groups and 23XI Racing co-owner Curtis Polk, accusing them of conspiring with different groups through the constitution negotiation course of. Choose Kenneth D. Bell dismissed the counterclaim and decided that NASCAR “plainly workout routines monopsony energy” because the premier inventory automobile racing operation in the USA.
In the event that they lose the case, FRM and 23XI might lose thousands and thousands in income with no constitution and threat going out of enterprise. In the meantime, a victory might spark large modifications inside NASCAR and drive out CEO Jim France, who is known as as a co-defendant.
Phelps testifies
Feb 12, 2025; Daytona Seaside, Florida, USA; NASCAR president Steve Phelps throughout Daytona 500 media day at Daytona Worldwide Speedway. Obligatory Credit score: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMark J&interval; Rebilas-Imagn Photos
Phelps mentioned throughout Tuesday’s testimony, per The Athletic’s , that it was “unfair” to say NASCAR offered groups with a agency Sept. 6, 2024, deadline to take or go away a constitution settlement. He additionally claimed to not recall telling proprietor Rick Hendrick that France did not wish to give groups everlasting charters.
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Requested about almost $400 million given to the France household from 2021 to 2024, Phelps mentioned he believed $300 million was used to pay taxes. He wasn’t certain if these have been NASCAR taxes or the household’s.
Phelps claimed that NASCAR “would stop to exist” if it met the groups’ preliminary request to obtain $720 million per 12 months.
“It was one of the vital difficult and longest negotiations I’ve ever been a part of,” Phelps mentioned.
This story was initially printed by on Dec 9, 2025, the place it first appeared within the part. Add The Spun as a
