Bill Davis will run Toyotas in 2007. Credit: Jeff Gross/Getty Images

Davis not happy with lawsuit outcome

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Nextel Cup owner Bill Davis plans to ask that the $6.5 million judgment against his company for breach of contract against DaimlerChrysler be set aside.

DaimlerChrysler alleged that Davis' company provided confidential information to Toyota and helped the Japanese-based automaker develop a Nextel Cup vehicle for use in 2007.

DAVIS TO TOYOTA Bill Davis will race two cars when Toyota enters the Cup Series beginning in 2007.   •   Complete story, click here

Davis, who at the time was under contract to prepare Dodges for the Cup Series, will be one of three Toyota owners when the foreign manufacturer enters NASCAR's premier series next season.

Davis said he disagreed with the verdict of the seven-member jury that deliberated for four hours after a 17-day trial in the U.S. District Court in Detroit.

"If necessary, we intend to appeal the verdict to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit,'' Davis said in a statement. "Our racing sponsors and business partners have remained supportive during the legal process, and our full effort remains focused on bringing success to their NASCAR program.''

John Fernandez, the director of motorsports for Dodge, said he wasn't surprised by the verdict but he couldn't comment further.

The jury determined that the information provided to Toyota by BDR should not have been disclosed without permission from DaimlerChrysler.

DaimlerChrysler alleged that the contract with BDR required that Davis receive written permission to provide confidential information to third parties, and that Davis never sought such permission.

Davis said he would have no further comment until the appeal process is complete.