In late November, Richard Childress was distressed. A string of inflammatory text messages between NASCAR’s top executives involved the 80-year-old Cup Series team owner. Among the labels he received were ‘dinosaur’, ‘stupid red neck’, and so on. That may have been the point at which Childress decided to testify in the NASCAR trial, ongoing between Jim France and Michael Jordan’s sides. However, the result of taking the stand in the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit turned even more stressful for him.

The NASCAR trial faces an ultimatum

“Judge Bell asked both parties for a SITREP on the matter after the jury was dismissed. Teams attorney Danielle Williams says she has six questions on the matter. Judge didn’t want to hear them. Williams says she doesn’t even have the documents yet. Judge Bell said both parties need to work together to get a solution before tomorrow morning or he is going to issue an order ‘and I have an idea of what that is going to be,'” journalist Matt Weaver wrote on X.’

To clarify, Judge Kenneth D. Bell demanded a SITREP or situation report on the jaw-dropping revelation during Richard Childress’ testimony. The six-time Cup Series champion owner was confused when he was asked during cross-examination about the decision to sell a 60% stake of his team, Richard Childress Racing. The questions probed what he thought were confidential discussions with a group that included former NASCAR driver Bobby Hillin Jr.

The NASCAR trial mainly revolves around proving the sport’s anticompetitive practices in a monopoly. However, the breach of Richard Childress’ private information opens up a new legal venue. Childress said that he sent a termination letter to Hillin. Apparently, both parties signed a non-disclosure agreement about RCR’s finances. Childress also clarified that Hillin was mainly going to purchase the stake in the company owned by Chartwell Investments.

Evidently, the NASCAR trial is assuming a fresh direction. Let’s wait and see when Judge Bell’s ultimatum materializes.