Rick Hendrick's letter to Jim France back in 2024 took the spotlight in Tuesday's (9 December's) trial proceedings. The team owner wrote the letter asking for a better charter deal, seeing how Hendrick Motorsports lost $20 million across five years, despite winning two championships.Michael Jordan's attorney, Jefferey Kessler, argued that Hendrick's words are a warning of what's to come. In a separate instance, it was also revealed that the teams originally asked for $720 million per year, but were allotted just $431 million, an increase of $31 million from the previous deal, per Yahoo Sports.The rest of the $1.05 billion media rights deal goes to NASCAR ownership and the tracks involved. However, 16 of the 36 races happen at NASCAR-owned tracks, bringing an additional share for the sanctioning body. Nonetheless, NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps argued that meeting the teams' demands would bankrupt the business.On the other hand, the team's financials paint a different picture. An excerpt of Rick Hendrick's letter read(via X/Bob Pockrass):"Over the past five years, Hendrick Motorsports has won two NASCAR Cup Series championships — and lost $20 million. I’d be happy to show you audited financial statements. I love this sport, and my passion for it keeps me engaged, but there’s a clear business reality. Before we can possibly reach an agreement, NASCAR must acknowledge the current model is unsustainable for teams and cannot continue without substantive, fundamental change.”Jim France also took the stand on Tuesday, but delivered a 'shockingly bad' testimony."I will not agree to it": Rick Hendrick's discontent with charter deal revealedRick Hendrick's letter further delved into Hendrick Motorsports' business as a leading team. The four-car outfit has generated a billion dollars for its associated sponsors, while some of them have also become sponsors for NASCAR.Despite the remarkable feat, Hendrick believes the team isn't given its due respect."The message I continue to hear from NASCAR is that the teams bring no value, our rights are worthless, and we don’t know how to run a viable business," Rick Hendrick wrote via Express US." To be made to feel that my family’s investments and sacrifices are not appreciated, valued or respected by NASCAR is disappointing, to put it mildly. To be asked to consider a lesser deal, as your most recent proposal suggests, is a slap in the face. I will not agree to it.”Rick Hendrick further stressed that his negotiation is about 'survival for the teams.' He hoped to wipe the slate clean and create a win-win solution for both parties. Notably, Hendrick is slated to take the witness stand in the upcoming days. Meanwhile, team owner Richard Childress provided his testimony on Tuesday, noting that he was financially forced to sign the 2025 charter deal to keep his business intact.