"The inmates running the asylum": Rick Mast warns of the chaotic outcome NASCAR could face in the antitrust trial

A rising sense of uncertainty has followed NASCAR into the fifth day of its antitrust trial, with Rick Mast weighing in on what could happen after the final verdict. His comments arrived as 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports continued pressing their case that the current system leaves them without economic control or competitive choice.

The lawsuit argues that NASCAR’s charter model, its control of tracks and media rights, and its restrictions on where teams can race form a structure that leaves teams financially cornered. The governing body maintains that none of its decisions violate antitrust law and that strong parameters are the only way to produce a unified premier product and secure long-term media deals.

With the judge ruling that NASCAR holds a monopoly in the market for premier stock-car team services, the trial now turns on whether that monopoly was maintained legally or through conduct that stifled rivals. Speaking on the Kenny Wallace Show, Mast said:

“If the race teams win, we know that NASCAR will appeal this thing. I don't know that everybody understands what NASCAR's thinking is. And I think... they feel like, if they lose this thing, it's a death sentence, because what happens then? The judge then decides how our sport is going to be run.” (4:58 onwards)

Mast explained what external control could mean:

“We know what he can do, but what he will do, we don't know. Will he make NASCAR and ISC sell off racetracks? Will he make them have a governance board… where NASCAR is not in control any longer? Mainly you have the inmates running the asylum, you might say... I truly believe in NASCAR's heart of hearts, they feel like if they lose, they've lost the sport.”

Earlier, Kenny Wallace also echoed these thoughts. Rick Mast added that any loss would trigger an immediate appeal, extending the case for years and deteriorating sponsor confidence during that period. His worry reflects what has already surfaced inside the courtroom.

Early filings included internal texts from senior executives that painted NASCAR as dismissive of team concerns, and the first four days of testimony expanded that picture. The exchanges highlighted tension over revenue distribution, charter value, and the language top leaders used when discussing owners and fans. It has left the sport wrestling with what the verdict could expose, and what it might repair.

---

Rick Mast discusses trial verdicts and consequences on NASCAR

Dale Earnhardt Sr. (3) and Rick Mast (41) during the 2000 Daytona 500. Source: Getty

Rick Mast also outlined four possible outcomes that could follow the jury’s deliberation. He noted that a hung jury is unlikely, and a mid-trial settlement appears out of reach, given how both sides negotiated unsuccessfully for more than two days last month.

Thirteen charter-holding owners urged a deal before the trial began, warning that continued testimony would only harm the sport’s reputation. But negotiations failed to resolve the impasse. Explaining the choices, Rick Mast added on the show:

“As far as the trial goes, I see four things, really only four things could happen here. Number one, we get a hung jury, which I don't see happening. Number two, we get a settlement… the way this is going, I don't see that happening… The other two, of course, are NASCAR wins or the race teams win.”

If NASCAR wins, Rick Mast believes the organization has a rare chance to rebuild trust and repair the damage through disclosures. He said that the victory would not erase the sharp comments, internal tensions, or financial divides that have surfaced. He warned that a simple return to the status quo would not hold.

The win could still become costly if the teams appeal, something he views as almost guaranteed and would extend the dispute. Industry insiders have expressed similar fears as the trial enters its fifth day, with Michael Jordan expected to testify later.