A U.S. judge has ruled against NASCAR in a key antitrust decision, finding that NASCAR acts as the only buyer of premier stock‑car racing teams—giving it monopoly (or monopsony) power.
The judge suggested that NASCAR’s charter agreements might be unlawful restrictions on trade, because they limit entry into the Cup Series and fix conditions for teams.
With this decision, the upcoming trial will focus on whether NASCAR used its dominant power to impose unfavorable terms on teams under the charter system.