WARNING: Adult language will not be censored in this article.

Today’s hearing was yet another hearing in the long line of hearings, this time to prevent NASCAR from selling or transferring the “inactive” or “Disputed” charters. The decision from this hearing will be made next week. First and foremost, Judge Bell has made it clear that all evidence will be public, which includes text threads from both sides. This is beneficial for those who want to see the truth.

Judge Bell stated that “If either party feels certain they’re going to win, they’re wrong.” He also encouraged all parties involved to settle before next week’s decision is made.

Per those in attendance, the beginning of the hearing was reasonably cordial, with arguments over the status of the charters. However, the gloves came off once documents and text threads began coming to light.

One thing we learned was that if NASCAR were to sell one of the charters purchased from Stewart-Haas Racing, 23XI Racing, or Front Row Motorsports, the recipient would receive 100% reimbursement for the costs.

Details of some message/text threads

23XI Racing co-owner Curtis Polk mentioned how Cup racing is boring, ‘That race last night was boring as shit. Ugh, that was painful to watch.’

Steve O’Donnell, in a text thread with NASCAR executives, appeared to have stood up for the teams by saying the current draft was a “Fuck the teams” approach, which could bring the sport back to the small southern sport of 1996. Which is a step out of line against the France family, but he mentioned in the conversation their deal needed to provide ‘zero wins’ to the teams.

Michael Jordan even said, “I think people understand our fight. Good things will come from this. Teams are going to regret not supporting us. Pussies!!!!” Jordan even said “Fuckers” when he learned of Joe Gibbs Racing signing the agreement.

Steve Lauletta, in one message to Denny Hamlin, even said, “I wish I knew what to do and what is the best investment path. Being in for the long haul and Jim (France) dying is probably the answer.”

Denny Hamlin said, “In short, I’m in for the fight with NASCAR. My dispise for the France family runs deep, but whatever we do, please lets not sabotage our business over principle when it comes down to it. Love you all and thank you for allowing me to be a part of it.”

Steve Phelps said about all of the teams, ‘Give them the (contact), pick a date, and sign it or lose their charters.’

Scott Prime said, ‘Here is a bit more money and fuck off on everything else,’ sarcastically.

Jordan and Polk have confirmed that they have made modest profits.

NASCAR attempted to prevent the teams from creating a competitive copycat series by locking down Speedway Motorsports, thereby preventing the formation of a rival relationship.

Conclusion from today

NASCAR’s defense included the legal argument that the court could not force NASCAR’s sanctioning body to do business with someone it does not want to work with. Stating they do not want to do business with 23XI or Front Row, with all the harsh things Hamlin, Polk and JOrdan have said about the body and France family.

The trial will proceed to the end. There will be no settlement. Judge Bell even mentioned that if the teams win, “NASCAR is going to look very different.”

In a closing statement to the press, Michael Jordan stated, “When we first started this whole process, I always said I wanted to fight for the betterment of the sport.” “The sport itself needs to continually change for the better of the fans as well as for the teams, as well as for NASCAR, too, if they understand that.” “I feel like we made a good statement today about that. I look forward to going down with fire. If I have to fight this to the end for the betterment of the sport, I will do that.”

Image Credit: Patrick Vallely