The Richard Childress NASCAR antitrust trial is intensifying in a Charlotte federal courtroom, as Judge Kenneth Bell has extended court hours to speed up a process that has begun to frustrate both the jury and participants. With testimony dragging and the schedule threatening to expand into a third week, Judge Bell’s warning has raised the stakes as key figures—including Richard Childress—prepare to take the stand.
Increased Pressure as Courtroom Schedule Expands
The antitrust battle between NASCAR and 23XI Racing–Front Row Motorsports entered its seventh day under growing scrutiny from Judge Bell. Highlighting a critical bottleneck, Judge Bell expressed frustration to both legal teams over the trial’s sluggish pace, concerned that repeated questions and circular testimony were straining the patience of everyone inside the Charlotte courtroom. To keep proceedings on track and avoid extending into another week, the judge mandated an extra hour be added to the daily court session, now starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 5:30 p.m.
The court’s commitment to a tighter schedule reflected how much pivotal testimony still lies ahead. Witnesses and attorneys have been instructed to streamline their questioning and avoid dwelling on topics that have already been resolved. The adjustments come amid Judge Bell’s warnings that the jury’s patience is reaching its limit and that further delays could force his direct intervention.
Pivotal Testimonies and Frustration Over Delays
This adjustment in hours was noted by Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, who posted:
“Court starting at 8:30 a.m. ET today and going to 5:30 p.m. ET. Trying to add an hour, which hopefully will get to NASCAR starting its side Wednesday. Economist (finishing his testimony), accountant to verify team financials, Phelps, Childress and Jim France still to go for 23XI/FRM.”
– Bob Pockrass, Fox Sports reporter
The backlog results from a series of lengthy and emotional testimonies. Denny Hamlin spoke for two days about the financial burdens imposed by NASCAR’s charter system, offering perspective on how top-tier Cup teams navigate increasing operational costs. Next, NASCAR’s Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer Scott Prime answered challenging questions related to internal communications and NASCAR’s relationship with suppliers. His private correspondence and economic records faced close examination from attorneys.
Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins followed, sharing insights into how smaller racing organizations attempt to remain competitive under current regulations. NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell’s testimony included an incident where he described certain private text messages as a “poor choice of words,” further highlighting the tense and sometimes combative environment of the proceedings.
Economic Realities Under the Microscope
The week’s testimony transitioned from team owners and racing executives to economic analysis, as RTA executive Jonathan Marshall wrapped up his remarks before Edward Snyder, a former professor at the University of Chicago and Yale, began his expert analysis. Snyder’s session focused on explaining the financial obligations faced by Cup Series organizations and emphasized that in their view, NASCAR’s charter and revenue system leaves teams with rising costs and dwindling leverage.
Snyder’s testimony addressed the comprehensive economic structure of stock-car team services, describing how teams’ profits are squeezed by restrictions on participating in races beyond the Cup Series, the current charter arrangement, and a limited distribution of revenue. The economist, whose hourly billing rate of $1,650 was disclosed, made the case that Cup organizations are limited by a “single-buyer market” and have almost no opportunity to seek alternatives if dissatisfied with the existing arrangement.
After Snyder, an accountant took the stand to verify the financial data provided by teams, a crucial detail for calculating any potential damages in the antitrust case. Though technical, this evidence is central to the outcome, potentially informing compensation and future business operations for the involved organizations.
Judge Bell’s Directives and What Lies Ahead
Tension continued as Judge Kenneth Bell reiterated his instructions for efficiency, warning both sides that further drawn-out questioning could impact the proceedings. He told attorneys to focus on direct answers and avoid multiple rehashings of settled matters to keep the trial moving within its already expanded timeframe.
Significant testimony remains, with the court expecting appearances from key individuals: NASCAR President Steve Phelps, veteran team owner Richard Childress, and NASCAR Chairman Jim France. With Phelps and Childress regarded as central witnesses for their respective sides, their statements are anticipated to have a direct impact on the jury’s interpretation of the competition and revenue issues at play.
Implications for NASCAR and the Sport’s Future
As the court operates under its new extended schedule, the Richard Childress NASCAR antitrust trial carries major consequences for both the governing body and its teams. With economic experts and accountants now contextualizing the complex financial relationships at the heart of the dispute, the testimony of high-profile figures expected in the coming days will be instrumental in shaping how the Cup Series charter system could evolve.
Judge Bell’s firm handling of proceedings underscores the significance of the outcome not just for those in the courtroom but for the entire ecosystem of American stock-car racing, as teams, sponsors, and officials closely monitor what comes next in this landmark antitrust battle.
Court starting at 8:30a ET today and going to 5:30p ET. Trying to add an hour, which hopefully will get to NASCAR starting its side Wednesday. Economist (finishing his testimony), accountant to verify team financials, Phelps, Childress and Jim France still to go for 23XI/FRM. https://t.co/KoDVvHThgq
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 9, 2025
