As more and more key figures in the sport testify in the courtroom, NASCAR’s antitrust trial against 23XI Racing and FRM is seemingly taking new turns every day. Along with the power dynamics between both parties shifting rapidly, the legal drama has also brought to light several not-so-pleasant insider details about the governing body.
In the latest proceeding, Joe Gibbs Racing executive Heather Gibbs gave her testimony, which revealed NASCAR’s approach while proposing the latest charter system to the teams. Though she had spoken about it on occasion earlier, this time, Gibbs took an even more blunt stance and name-called NASCAR boss Jim France for his actions.
NASCAR’s Charter Proposal To The Teams
On Friday, 23XI Racing co-owner and NBA legend Michael Jordan testified in court, along with Gibbs, where the two furthered their stance that NASCAR is a monopoly. Gibbs began her testimony by describing her relationship with the sport and how deeply rooted racing is in the Gibbs bloodline.
She highlighted how she became more involved with the family’s racing empire following the untimely demise of her spouse, Coy. Gibbs, who was a key piece in Joe Gibbs Racing’s charter negotiations with NASCAR, also noted that sustaining financially in the sport was becoming increasingly challenging for the team, since its revenue was primarily generated from racing and not through other ventures.
A few weeks ago, a letter from Gibbs, addressed to NASCAR management, went viral, in which she expressed her angst towards several practices in the sport and emphasized why teams must have permanent charters.
Further in her testimony, she compared NASCAR’s proposition for the teams with a ‘gun to the head’ analogy. She stated that teams had no choice but to agree with the terms, the deadline for which was just a few hours.
Heather Gibbs On Her Cold Chat With Jim France
Gibbs, who was far from satisfied with the clauses, had a chat with NASCAR bossman, France. She requested, “Don’t do this to us.”
To which France responded rather bluntly, saying, “I’m done with the conversations.” Gibbs further mentioned that France was unwilling to negotiate and was also okay with teams refusing to sign the proposal.
Despite her doubts and hesitation, Gibbs ultimately chose to sign the charter. The primary reason for that was the team’s massive legacy, which was at stake if the team refused NASCAR’s terms.
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A permanent charter would not only give the teams more stability in their operations but would also put the teams in a position where they could generate more revenue.
Nevertheless, despite the slim deadline and unsuitable terms, all but two teams, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, signed the agreement to avoid even bigger losses. And if the trial goes in favor of the teams, it could potentially alter the way NASCAR operates at its core.