In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Court of Appeals has ordered former NASCAR team owner Ron Devine to pay $31 million in back wages, bringing closure to a lengthy legal battle involving unpaid employees and creditors from his now-defunct team, BK Racing. The ruling comes years after BK Racing filed for bankruptcy in 2018, leaving behind a trail of financial disputes and unpaid debts.
The Ruling
The court’s decision centers on allegations that Devine, who owned BK Racing from 2012 to 2018, failed to properly compensate employees, including drivers, mechanics, and other team staff. According to court documents, Devine mismanaged funds and diverted resources intended for team operations, leading to widespread financial hardship for employees and vendors.
In their decision, the court emphasized Devine’s responsibility to uphold labor laws, stating, “Employers, regardless of industry, are obligated to meet their financial commitments to employees. The failure to do so violates the trust and rights of those who dedicate their labor to the success of the business.”
The $31 million judgment includes unpaid wages, interest, and damages awarded to affected parties.
BK Racing’s Troubled History
BK Racing, which competed in the NASCAR Cup Series, was often plagued by financial instability. Despite fielding cars for notable drivers such as Alex Bowman, Matt DiBenedetto, and Landon Cassill, the team struggled to secure consistent sponsorship and faced mounting debts.
The financial turmoil came to a head in 2018 when creditors forced the team into bankruptcy. The team’s assets, including cars and equipment, were auctioned off later that year, with Front Row Motorsports purchasing much of BK Racing’s inventory.
Employee Impact
The court ruling provides a sense of justice for former employees who endured months without pay during BK Racing’s turbulent final years. Several employees have spoken out about the personal toll of unpaid wages, citing difficulties paying bills, supporting families, and continuing their careers in the sport.
“I gave everything I had to that team, and to walk away empty-handed was devastating,” said one former BK Racing employee, who requested anonymity. “This ruling is a step toward closure, but it’s been a long time coming.”
Ron Devine’s Response
Devine has denied wrongdoing throughout the legal process, claiming that the team’s financial troubles were due to market forces and sponsorship challenges. In a statement issued through his legal team, Devine expressed disappointment with the ruling and indicated he may explore further legal options.
“We respectfully disagree with the court’s decision and believe the circumstances surrounding BK Racing’s financial difficulties were not fully considered,” the statement read.
NASCAR’s Response
NASCAR has yet to comment directly on the ruling but has taken steps in recent years to ensure financial stability among teams. The introduction of the charter system in 2016 was partly designed to create a more sustainable financial model for smaller teams like BK Racing.
What’s Next?
The ruling marks a significant moment for accountability in NASCAR, highlighting the importance of financial responsibility in the sport. For Ron Devine, the judgment adds to his tarnished legacy, while for former employees, it offers a long-awaited sense of justice.
As NASCAR continues to evolve, this case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that come with operating a race team—and the consequences of failing to meet obligations to those who power the sport.
