Nature's Bakery to file countersuit against SHR

Nature's Bakery is firing back at Stewart-Haas Racing, saying it will file a response and counterclaim to a breach of contract lawsuit stemming from the abrupt end to the company's sponsorship of Danica Patrick's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Ford.

SHR filed suit against Nature's Bakery earlier this month accusing the company of refusing to pay millions of dollars it owes the team. The suit (a copy of which was obtained by the Associated Press) says Nature's Bakery sent a letter to SHR on Jan. 19 terminating the sponsorship agreement and that they have missed several scheduled deadlines to pay.

Nature's Bakery CEO Kelly Allin released a statement Thursday calling the situation an SHR "media campaign" and a "false legal complaint."

"We were thrown off by SHR's lawsuit," Allin said. "SHR and its owners are no stranger to aggressive litigation. Ours is a family business that repeatedly sought to resolve our issues privately. In fact, we were scheduled to meet in Charlotte just days before they sued us.

"Contrary to its image, SHR is run by big-business types that took advantage of Nature's Bakery. They now are threatening scorched earth litigation against a multi-generational family company. ... We may be a small brand, but we do not think what they are doing is right. We look forward to defending ourselves in court."

Nature's Bakery was scheduled to sponsor Patrick's No. 10 Ford in at least 20 Cup series races this year, after originally signing a three-year deal with SHR in late 2015 to be a primary sponsor through 2018. Patrick donned a Tax Act firesuit during the annual NASCAR media tour at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and Aspen Dental has stepped up its support by becoming the lead sponsor of Patrick's No. 10 Ford.

In a statement obtained by ESPN, SHR President Brett Frood responded: "It's an unfortunate situation, but we know we've delivered on all aspects of our agreement and more. We took great pride in elevating the brand awareness and relevance of its products and were prepared to continue activating pursuant to the agreement in 2017 and beyond. Nature's Bakery chose to breach and terminate the contract, leaving SHR in a very difficult position to start the 2017 season. They can file whatever they want. We're confident with our position."