NASCAR Driver Ordered to Pay $850K Under North Carolina's 'Homewrecker Law'

A NASCAR truck driver has been ordered to pay $850,000 in damages to a woman who claimed the driver had an affair with her husband, leading to the end of their 17-year marriage. The ruling was made under North Carolina's "homewrecker law."

Tracey Hughes filed a lawsuit in 2024 against Jennifer Jo Cobb, 53, alleging that Cobb engaged in a months-long affair with her husband, Clayton Odie Hughes. According to the lawsuit, the affair caused the previously "happily married" couple to separate in 2021.

The complaint stated that Cobb "willfully, intentionally, and deliberately seduced, enticed, and alienated the affections" of Clayton Hughes. It further alleged that Cobb would contact Clayton Hughes while traveling for races and arrange "regular trysts" with him. Tracey Hughes claimed she suffered the loss of support, injury to her feelings and reputation, and the destruction of her marital relationship.

Cobb, who competed in NASCAR's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and Truck Series from 2001 through 2024, denied the allegations in court documents and attempted to have the suit dismissed. However, a jury sided with Tracey Hughes, awarding her $50,000 for alienation of affection and $800,000 for criminal conversation.

Clayton Hughes was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit. North Carolina is one of several states that permit individuals to be sued if it can be proven they intentionally interfered with a marriage. Cobb has the option to appeal the jury's verdict.