CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Day seven of the NASCAR antitrust trial saw Steve Phelps, Richard Childress and NASCAR Chairman Jim France take the stand.
France, who is the final witness for the 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports presentation, will conclude his testimony on Wednesday morning. After that, NASCAR attorneys will begin the defense’s argument.
Charters and finances were the main topics of conversation during the day. As well, texts among NASCAR executives. Attorney for 23XI Racing and FRM, Jeffrey Kessler, asked Phelps if he was always respectful to team owners.
Phelps testified, “I have a text that I sent and I am not proud of it.” That was in reference to the publicized text which called team owner Richard Childress “a stupid redneck.” That text was not shown to the jury.
Later in the day, Childress testified that he signed the charter agreement because he could not afford to lose them financially. RCR also does fabrication for military projects. “I would be broke if I was just doing the Cup teams,” Childress said.
France was questioned on numerous topics during his time on the stand and frequently said he did not recall or remember in response to questions.
One of the contentions by the teams is that charters should be permanent. France was against that and said on Tuesday he has not changed his stance on that issue.
