Lawsuit Against NASCAR Accelerates with Major Developments in Defamation Case
The lawsuit against NASCAR is gaining momentum, with significant legal milestones reached as the case proceeds toward trial. Mediation has been scheduled for November 2024, while a trial date has been set for June 2025.
Recently, a judge denied NASCAR’s motion to dismiss key claims of promissory estoppel and breach of contract, allowing the case to move forward.
In a further development, the plaintiffs were directed by the court to replead defamation and defamation by implication as separate counts. This was done promptly, and the new filings include compelling deposition and documentary evidence. Notably, the evidence reveals that NASCAR initially approved a sponsorship agreement, only to later revoke it.
In a separate twist, NASCAR allegedly released a false statement to the media, claiming the involved team “jumped the gun” in announcing the partnership.
Adding to the controversy, there is now documented evidence of NASCAR directing an employee to place USA Today on a “libel list,” allegedly created to target critical media outlets. Further, internal communications reveal that NASCAR officials mocked the foundation’s trustee, James Koutoulas, a well-known advocate for investor protection, after he was involved in a separate lawsuit.
The lawsuit has garnered widespread attention due to the involvement of the first cryptocurrency publicly supported by former President Donald Trump, as well as endorsements from several notable political figures. The libel list, which has become part of the public record and is attached to the complaint, raises serious questions about the extent of NASCAR’s actions and its potential for defamation-related damages.
As it stands, $571 million in direct damages are now moving toward the summary judgment phase, with the plaintiffs also seeking punitive damages based on actual malice. Should this claim be successful, total damages could escalate to $1.71 billion.
Given the widespread misinformation surrounding the case, the plaintiffs are seeking to correct the public narrative and are pursuing an interview with major outlets like The New York Times to ensure that the facts are accurately portrayed.
This high-profile lawsuit continues to unfold, with many watching closely as the case heads toward mediation and, potentially, a historic trial in 2025.
