Davis loses Dodge lawsuit.

NASCAR Nextel Cup team Bill Davis Racing has been told that it did breach its Motorsport Agreement with DaimlerChrysler's Dodge division, resulting in the car manufacturer winning a $6.5 million lawsuit this week.

A federal court jury found that by assisting Toyota in setting up its NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series programme, in which Davis has a two truck team, Davis did violate his six year contract with Dodge.

Davis will appeal the decision.

"We disagree with the jury verdict," said Davis in a statement released by the team on Friday. "We fully intend to exercise the opportunity extended by US District Court Judge George Steeh and ask the Court to set aside this verdict. If necessary, we intend to appeal the verdict to the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

"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 programmes."

Dodge withdrew all manufacturer support from Davis mid-way through the 2003 season.