NASCAR President Testifies on SRX Controversy amid Antitrust Lawsuit
In a significant development during the ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR, President Steve O’Donnell testified about concerns within the organization regarding the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX). This acknowledgment came during court proceedings initiated by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which assert that NASCAR’s business practices foster a monopoly that stifles competition.
O’Donnell did not shy away from discussing internal communications that surfaced prior to the trial. These messages revealed dissatisfaction among NASCAR executives about their drivers participating in SRX, with commissioner Steve Phelps notably stating the need to “put a knife through this trash series.” The SRX, co-founded by former NASCAR champion Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham, lasted only three seasons before being discontinued in 2023 due to market issues.
“I recall we all became concerned at the look and feel of the series,” O’Donnell remarked, addressing questions from lead counsel Jeffrey Kessler. The lawsuit underscores accusations that NASCAR’s agreements inhibit drivers and teams from competing in rival series, an argument reinforced by prior ruling from Judge Kenneth Bell, affirming NASCAR’s monopoly status.
Kessler also questioned how Stewart navigated contractual restrictions, noting that SRX initially aimed to feature retired or inactive drivers—an assertion supported by O’Donnell, who referenced a comment from former Stewart-Haas executive Brett Frood. This was reminiscent of IROC, which showcased elite drivers in uniform vehicles from 1973 to 2006.
In its inaugural season, SRX included notable names such as Stewart, Tony Kanaan, and Bobby Labonte, along with active NASCAR driver Chase Elliott. As SRX evolved, more current NASCAR talent joined, including Denny Hamlin and Kyle Busch, prompting O’Donnell to express, “I thought this looked more and more like NASCAR.”
O’Donnell also testified about his anxiety over SRX’s operational direction, comparing it to LIV Golf’s challenge to the PGA Tour, stating he had fears of a similar development in NASCAR. He highlighted the contradiction of teams rallying for solidarity during negotiations for media rights while simultaneously participating in external competitions.
Additionally, he stated that NASCAR utilized its exclusivity clause with Speedway Motorsports to prevent SRX races at associated venues, a strategic move tied to ongoing negotiations aimed at securing revenue for the organization’s teams.
O’Donnell is scheduled to continue testifying tomorrow, facing further cross-examination from NASCAR’s legal team.
