Dale Earnhardt Jr Makes Sensational Claim Around #NASCAR System Losing ‘Prestige’

Jr is Totally Against the Winner-Takes-All-Final Race

 

NASCAR’s scoring system has undergone a multitude of changes since the sport was introduced in 1948. In the current format, Playoffs are held in the latter part of the season that decides entries to the final race of the season, called the Championship 4 race. But this format has not found too many fans, especially Dale Earnhardt Jr.

 

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr sat down for the final podcast of the season with Brian France. France has served as the NASCAR CEO earlier. They spoke about the current format.

 

Dale said, “But the only thing I’ve kinda struggled with how expanded the playoff feeled. And it’s happened at the Clash as well. Like the eligibility for getting into the Clash changed the identity of the race. When the chase was 10 drivers, it was like damn it’s hard, it’s hard to get into. It’s 16 now. That’s half the field of the guys that run every single week.”

 

“We’ve seen other Series, other sports, expand their playoff fields as well. Because the more people you have involved in the playoff, the more entities that are plugged in and interested, sponsors that are part of it. I feel like that was kind of the push for the Clash. You had partners coming in and going ‘why aren’t we in this race? Why can’t we be in this race?’,” he said.

 

 

But he reasoned, “So I understand the pressure there. I never loved the fact that the chase field grew because I felt like it really made it difficult to get into, and something about it being that difficult when it was limited to being 10 or 12. Something about it being harder made it prestigious or powerful.”

 

Dale Jr pointed out a very valid point. The fact that it was so difficult to make it through was what made it so precious to drivers. It was like “squeezing water from a stone”. But the expanded playoff system has changed that altogether, which in some ways diminishes the worth of it all.

 

Dale Earnhardt Jr is Totally Against the Winner-Takes-All-Final Race

Dale Jr isn’t the first to criticize the Playoffs system of NASCAR. Denny Hamlin has too expressed his dissatisfaction with the format in depth, explaining what possible changes can be brought in.

 

Dale Jr also picks out his problems with the final race being the deciding factor for the Cup.

 

He said, “The other thing I’ve struggled with – if we like the three-race round. It’s compelling, it could be argued that it’s relatively fair, everybody’s got the same opportunity. It’s 3 races, you can kinda dig yourself out of a hole.”

 

 

He then explained, “But I’ve always kinda struggled with the final race being all or nothing. The reason why I struggle with that because the venue may suit a team or driver. Obviously, you would never consider running it on a road course or a superspeedway because that certainly suits some drivers more than others and you try to have it a neutral facility if you will.”

 

“But I always had a hard time with saying, ‘okay it’ll all boil down to this one day where you gotta get it right and if you don’t you’re not a champion this year.’ Even though you’ve really got this amazing body of work.”

 

“You could still have that guy that wins one race be the champion and the guy that won 6 not even make the final round. So I wish we could figure out a way to make that Championship moment not an all-or-nothing 3-hour affair,” said Dale Jr

 

For those against the current format, this part too has been an issue for long. They believe that making the final race a decider takes away from someone who might have consistently performed all season, and rewards one single race-based performance.

 

An unforgettable season of The @DaleJr Download. And now… 😳

Brian France. #DJD Season Finale. Next Week. pic.twitter.com/E9qxKm9Rkr

— Dirty Mo Media (@DirtyMoMedia) November 11, 2022

 

source: Essentially Sports Media

NASCAR Announces Important Leadership Change

Phelps Promoted to President of NASCAR; Dewar to Transition to Advisory Role

NASCAR today announced that Steve Phelps has been named NASCAR President, effective October 1, 2018. Brent Dewar has elected to step down and will remain with the company through the end of the 2018 racing season, transitioning to a senior consulting and advisory role in 2019. 

Steve Phelps

Phelps will assume the duties held by Dewar and will report to Jim France, NASCAR Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. As President, Phelps will have responsibility over all competition and business operations for the sanctioning body.

"We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Steve Phelps as our leader," France said. "His passion for NASCAR and proven ability to work with our partners has been unparalleled over the years. We thank Brent for his service and leadership to our sport. His energy and vision have been of tremendous benefit to our employees and our industry."

Joining NASCAR in 2005, Phelps has played a key role in significant initiatives, such as negotiating key partnership agreements with Coca-Cola, Monster Energy, Comcast and Camping World, the acquisition of NASCAR’s digital and social rights and leading industry collaborative efforts such as the Industry Action Plan and industry-wide marketing platforms. Phelps brings more than three decades of experience to the role, including senior leadership roles at the National Football League and Wasserman.

"As a life-long fan of NASCAR, the opportunity to provide league-wide leadership is something I am looking forward to," Phelps said. "I am confident that the strong team of leaders here at NASCAR and across the industry will accelerate the necessary changes to grow the sport and engage our passionate fans."

Brent Dewar

Dewar joined NASCAR in 2013, serving as Chief Operating Officer and later as NASCAR President. "It has been a privilege to serve this sport these past five years," said Dewar. "NASCAR is a close-knit family and I have been blessed to be part of a great team and industry, working collaboratively to deliver great racing for our fans. I look forward to continuing to work with the industry and the France family."

Source: NASCAR.com PR

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Who is the new CEO of #NASCAR

Jim France - Interim Chairman And Chief Executive Officer Of NASCAR

If you are a NASCAR Fan, by now, you have heard that Brian France, who has served as NASCAR’s CEO and chairman since 2003, is currently on an "indefinite leave of absence” due to personal legal difficulties.

Earlier this week, it was announced that Jim France would take over for Brian.

“Brian France has taken an indefinite leave of absence from NASCAR as chairman and chief executive officer. Effective immediately, NASCAR Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Jim France has assumed the role of interim chairman and chief executive officer.” NASCAR

So who is Jim France?

Jim is Brian’s seventy-three-year old uncle. He is Brian’s father, Bill France Jr.’s brother. Jim and his niece, Lesa France Kennedy (Brian's sister), are the co-owners of the sanctioning body, according to available public documents and sources.

Jim was born and raised in Daytona Beach, Florida, and graduated from Seabreeze High School. He attended Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida, and earned a business degree in 1968.

However, France began working for his father at NASCAR's sister company, International Speedway Corp (ISC), in 1959 at just fourteen years old and ultimately acceded to the ISC presidency in 1987. ISC is publicly traded and operates thirteen racetracks. Additionally, Jim has been on NASCAR's Board of Directors since 2000.

Jim France has been involved in motorsports most of his life. In addition to stock cars, he has also been a strong supporter of both sports car and motorcycle racing in the United States, evident by his professional involvement in those sports. In 1999, he founded GRAND-AM Road Racing; in 2012, he was the driving force behind the merger of GRAND-AM and the American Le Mans Series, which began operation as one entity under the IMSA banner in 2014. He also was one of the crucial forces behind NASCAR’s acquisition of ARCA earlier this year.

ARCA President Ron Drager and Jim France re: NASCAR's Acquisition of ARCA,

Jim France's involvement in the “business” has well prepared him for a smooth transition, as he serves as NASCAR Interim Chairman and CEO.

"The France family, their leadership, has taken the sport and given us great direction over the years," team owner Joe Gibbs said. "We're totally fixed on our racing, knowing that Jim is going to take care of his part in leading things. "I'm real comfortable with the fact that we've got great leadership. We're going to concentrate on our racing."

Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart and Brad Keselowski react to Jim France taking over as interim NASCAR chairman and CEO: https://t.co/1KO8wGswmn pic.twitter.com/p3iSeegtjm

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) August 9, 2018

Jim France is expected to be at track (Michigan International Speedway) this weekend.

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So the question of the day is: When Brian France completes his “Road to Recovery,” should NASCAR and its fans welcome him back with open arms?

Will Brian France Suffer Indefinite Suspension?

Is France on his way to the ‘Road of Recovery’

UPDATE:  Brian France's Statement:

"I apologize to our fans, our industry and my family for the impact of my actions last night," France said in a statement later Monday. "Effective immediately, I will be taking an indefinite leave of absence from my position to focus on my personal affairs." 

NASCAR began random drug testing in the 2009 season. All NASCAR drivers, at-track crew members and officials must pass a drug test from an approved lab in the 90 days prior to applying for their NASCAR license. NASCAR can then ask any member to submit to a drug test at any time for reasonable suspicion and conducts random drug tests on event weekends.

To be reinstated, if found in violation of NASCAR’s Substance Abuse Policy, the violator must participate in and satisfactorily complete a "Road to Recovery" plan.  That plan  may include substance abuse counseling, treatment or rehabilitation.

The policy also states that any NASCAR member who voluntarily acknowledges a substance-abuse issue will not be suspended under the program -- except that in the interest of safety, NASCAR can temporarily suspend the license until the NASCAR member has been rehabilitated to the satisfaction of NASCAR.

Sadly, the CEO and Chairman of NASCAR (since 2003) Brian France was arrested for ‘Driving Under the Influence’ last night in the Hamptons. France was contacted after failing to halt for a Stop Sign and his blood alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit. Needless to say, he failed the field sobriety test and was placed under arrest.

During a search of his person, the police found oxycodone pills. Oxycodone is in a class of medications called opiate (narcotic) analgesics. It works by changing the way the brain and nervous system respond to pain.

France was arrested and held at the nearby station overnight.  He was book for both DUI and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree. France was released on his own recognizance Monday morning after his arraignment.

It should be interesting to see if ‘NASCAR’ suspends its CEO in line with the organizational policy. 

Annoyed for both Chase Elliott’s win now being overshadowed by Brian France being a moron and for Spencer Gallagher who was vilified for doing what his sport’s CEO apparently also does.

— Cassie Fambro (@CassieFambro) August 6, 2018

Back in May, Xfinity driver Spencer Gallagher was suspended indefinitely from NASCAR for violating the sanctioning body’s substance abuse policy - Section 19 (NASCAR’s substance abuse policy) of the 2018 NASCAR rule book.

He was reinstated in early July after competing his ‘Road to Recovery.’

It is NASCAR Race Mom's opinion that Brian France should be held to a similar course of redemption.

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France Family Exploring Possible Sale of #NASCAR?

The majority owners of NASCAR, the company that operates the U.S. stock-car racing series, are reportedly exploring options that include the sale of a majority stake, it was reported Monday by Reuters News Service. 

The move comes as NASCAR grapples with an aging fan base, stricter safety rules and a competitive media landscape that have weighed on its popularity and made it less attractive to advertisers and sponsors.

The France family, which controls NASCAR, is working with investment bank Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.N) to identify a potential deal for the company, three sources said, cautioning that the deliberations are at exploratory stage and no agreement of any kind is certain.

NASCAR was founded by Bill France Sr. 70 years ago. Grandson Brian France is the series current CEO and Chairman. NASCAR officials told USA TODAY Sports that they have no comment on the report.

NASCAR has struggled since the boom years of the 1990s and early 2000s with a shrinking fan base and falling TV ratings. However, several aging race tracks have undergone multi-million dollar renovations in recent years to make them more fan-friendly.

However, NASCAR could attract interest from media companies and private equity firms, according to the sources. The company’s exact valuation could not be established, though the sources said it could be worth several billions of dollars.

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Monster Energy To Sponsor NASCAR's Top Series Starting In 2017

 

 A LIFESTYLE IN A CAN!

NASCAR reported it has reached an agreement that will see energy drink company Monster Energy became the title sponsor for the NASCAR stock car premiere racing series starting with the 2017 season.

Monster Energy replaces U.S. wireless carrier Sprint who announced in 2014 that it was leaving the sport after the 2016 season. Past sponsors R.J. Reynolds, Nextel and Sprint spent tens of millions of dollars promoting the sport. When Nextel signed its deal in 2003, it was reported its total spending was approximately $70-75 million a year. 

Quotes

BRIAN FRANCE (NASCAR Chairman): Well, not only is it one of the most important announcements that we get a chance to make every once in a while, it's particularly nice to have our whole industry together because this is a partnership with Monster that is going to affect us all, and they're going to be a partner that can really -- it's a global brand that we took a long time to figure out. It's one of the few sales calls that I actually personally made because of how important it was to align ourselves with a dynamic brand that reaches different places and different audiences, and they made us feel very comfortable over time on a couple things. One was motorsports is their DNA, and when you walk through their lobby in California, you see that. You see the motorcycles and NASCAR memorabilia and all kinds of things, and that's who they are, so they understand motorsports. They understand NASCAR. They understand how to reach across and excite our core audience and help us deliver on a new audience, and that was very exciting for us.

And then when we got to know the team, we understood that they understand how to execute, too, and you're going to see that at the tracks, every track, all over the place, and they are going to do things that are going to be fun. They're going to be impactful. They're going to be exciting for our drivers and our teams. They're going to do things for our related sponsor agreements from a business to business standpoint, and then we're going to do some things for them, too, because we're going to give them a platform that they've never had before, and they're very excited about that.

Needless to say, this is a partnership that we want to build on over time. It's a very difficult agreement to come to because of the complexities of it, the track component, very important, media component is very important, all had to be sorted out, but nonetheless, we have reached a great spot, and I couldn't be more pleased to share this important day with all of you.

MITCH COVINGTON (Vice President Of Sports Marketing At Monster Beverage Company) when asked how he sees the activation spreading beyond NASCAR itself to the wider industry.

Well, you know, my grandmother told me that it's a sad rooster that won't crow, and we've got some unbelievable athletes that we're going to expose to NASCAR and bring over, worldwide and globally, and we want to make all of our athletes a part of our NASCAR effort and our activation.

We also want to bring some good shows and entertainment for NASCAR fans so they can interact with our brand and understand what our culture is all about, so when they leave the racetrack on Sunday they've had an experience. Of course they will have met the fabulous Monster Energy girls. We're going to have a lot of fun at NASCAR, both in the parking lot and inside the oval.

I too need to thank some people that's done an unbelievable job for our team. Many of you have seen them around, but Cari Cellini has kind of headed up our NASCAR activation ever since the last five years. Probably wouldn't be here if she hadn't done such a good job.

And Kurt Busch is here today, and I'm going to say it right now, Kurt Busch is absolutely one of the top athletes of any kind that we've worked with ever, and we want Kurt to be around for a long time. I want to thank Kurt. He's done an unbelievable job as a brand ambassador, and he's a pretty good wheel man, as well.

Again, we're really thankful to have the opportunity. We can't wait to hit the red button and see what happens and go hard.

STEVE PHELPS (Head of Sales/Marketing of National Association at Stock Car Auto Racing Inc. -NASCAR) as to how they came to Monster Energy as Series Sponsor

You know, we had the opportunity to go out and talk to hundreds of brands, actually, and the great thing about having this opportunity which we haven't had in thirteen years after our wonderful partners from Sprint and Nextel before them, we got to go out in the marketplace and talk about NASCAR and tell our story, tell the successful things that are happening with our sport, and our sport has changed a lot in that thirteen years, and so it gave us an opportunity to speak to great companies. Many of those companies are going to be new to NASCAR, and they're going to bring their dollars to NASCAR, their activation to NASCAR, their brands to NASCAR, to tracks, to teams, to drivers, to our media partners. So that's been a really important thing for us.

I know that the industry was starting to get a little bit nervous about the timing of this. I think the timing is actually perfect. We didn't step on our championship, and what happened, crowning a seven-time champion. We didn't step on our existing partner, and we were very, very patient to find the right partner, and that right partner is Monster Energy. We couldn't be any happier to have them as part of our team, extend the relationship they have with Stewart-Haas and Joe Gibbs Racing, so welcome, gentlemen.

Brian France (#NASCAR Chairman) and Mark Hall
(Monster Beverage Co. Chief Marketing Officer)

MARK HALL (Monster Beverage Co. Chief Marketing Officer): First off, I'd just like to thank everyone on the NASCAR team. Whenever you get involved in this process, in the negotiations, they can be trying on both sides, and I just have nothing but respect for Brian and the entire NASCAR team for their perseverance and their flexibility in working with what can only be described as a non-traditional marketing company. They did a great job of meeting some of the requests that we made, and couldn't be happier that we got the deal done.

On behalf of all the employees of Monster Energy Company, I again want to thank you guys. We're really looking forward to a great future together.

I want to assure all of our current fans, our current athletes, the other people that we endorse and have worked with for all these many years, that this doesn't change anything. We're still going to be the same company we've always been. We're not going to look to cut or get rid of people. Kurt, you're still going to drive.

We view this as a rare opportunity that doesn't come along every day. It's not -- it's two sponsors in 30-plus years that have been in this position, and if you would have asked me five years ago if I've ever contemplated something like this, the answer would be never in a million years, but it's a rare and unique opportunity to be associated with a premier professional sport, to be closely partnered with that sport, and to work together to build both of our brands, and that's what we -- that's our intent, and we're going to work very hard to do that.

Monster Energy 

Most companies spend their money on ad agencies, TV commercials, radio spots, and billboards to tell you how good their products are. At Monster we choose none of the above. Instead, we support the scene, our bands, our athletes and our fans. We back athletes so they can make a career out of their passion. We promote concert tours, so our favorite bands can visit your home town. We celebrate with our fans and riders by throwing parties and making the coolest events we can think of a reality.

At Monster we are all about the things you care about. What kid dreams about landing a 9 to 5 job? WE all dreamed about being pro athletes, musicians and living the life. We know it takes encouragement and support to make that dream a reality, so we created the Monster Army to back the next generation pros, the future Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, Danny Kass and Jamie Bestwicks.

Some companies won’t let you have any gear unless you’re on the payroll. We’re all about our fans rockin’ the Monster logo the way they want – on hats, shirts, mx bikes, trucks, gear, or even on themselves. Our idea of a promotion isn’t giving away a TV you already got. Our promos offer exclusive VIP access, insane trips hanging with top musicians and athletes, and real gear like dirt bikes, snowboards and helmets.

In short, at Monster all our guys walk the walk in action sports, punk rock music, partying, hangin’ with the girls, and living life on the edge. Monster is way more than an energy drink. Led by our athletes, musicians, employees, distributors and fans, Monster is… A LIFESTYLE IN A CAN!

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No Brian France Fan Clubs

“Lug-Nut Gate" Needs Positive Closure 

Recent events, sardonic as they be, has confirmed to this writer why you never hear about Brian France fans. If this series of activities were chronicled in a movie, we all would berate the film as being unrealistic and absurd.

First We Have A NASCAR Lug Nut Rule:

NASCAR has been working diligently to make their sport safer for both drivers and fans. We now have safety enhancements made to the car itself, as well as additions such as SAFER (Steel and Foam Energy Reduction) barriers at the tracks and NRM's favorite, the mandated use of head-and-neck restraint systems.

Of course you do not have to be a mechanic to understand that a tire with just three lug nuts is going to be less secure than a tire with three prescribed five.

Then The Lug Nut Issue Is To Be
Self-Policed By The Drivers / Teams:

Nevertheless, NASCAR stated basically that starting with the 2015 season, it would not penalize or even monitor missed lug nuts or lug nuts that get knocked off during a stop. The new rule...or lack thereof, could offer a huge gain for teams willing to gamble. Everyone knows that it doesn't take all five nuts tight to keep a tire on. The tricky part is how many nuts does it take?

NASCAR Race Mom has always been of the opinion that such a gamble would have great consequences to drivers and the fans in the stand. One only has to remember the horrific 2013 crash in the Xfinity Series when Kyle Larson's car sailed into the fence, sending debris, including a flying tire, into the stands, injuring twenty-eight fans. 

In a series where such a premium placed on the win, the risk to save a few precious seconds looms great.

Three-Time Series Champion, Tony Stewart Disagrees
With The Lug Nut Rule, Deeming It Unsafe.

“I’m beyond mad, I’m P.O.’d at NASCAR about it, to be honest,” Stewart stated during an event to promote sponsor Mobil 1’s green initiatives. “For all the work and everything, all the bulletins and all the new stuff we have to do to superspeedway cars and all these other things they want us to do for safety, we can’t even make sure we put five lug nuts on the wheel.

“It’s not even mandatory anymore. I mean, you don’t have to have but one on there if you don’t want. It’s however many you think you can get away with. So we’re putting the drivers in jeopardy to get track position. It’s not bit anybody yet, but I guarantee you that envelope is going to keep getting pushed until somebody gets hurt. You will not have heard a rant that’s going to be as bad as what’s going to come out of my mouth if a driver gets hurt because of a loose wheel that hurts one of them. With all the crap we’re going through with all the safety stuff, and for them to sit there and sit on their hands on this one … ”

Smoke added, “Last year it started; this year you see the problem getting worse. Well if you see a problem getting worse like that, where’s the bottom of that trend going to happen? It’s going to happen when somebody gets hurt, and that’s going to be one of the largest black eyes I can see NASCAR getting when they’ve worked so hard and done such a good job to make it safe. In this one particular area, they are totally dropping the ball on and I feel like really made a grossly bad decision on.”

NASCAR Fines Tony For Disparaging Remarks

NASCAR quickly fined the Stewart-Haas Racing driver and co-owner $35,000 for violations of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book - Section 12 of the rule book, specifically member conduct guidelines.

According to Section 12.8.1, actions that could result in a $10,000-$50,000 fine include disparaging the sport and/or NASCAR's leadership, or verbal abuse of a NASCAR Official, media members, fans, etc.

France clarified, Stewart is "very aware of how we approach criticism ... of the sport and the product of the racing itself, and safety is paramount of that. Tony is very aware of how we look at that. We allow them to criticize and give their point of view way more than any other sport. ... We're thick-skinned; we get it.

However, NASCAR never really specified what exactly Stewart was fined for. The fine marred his comeback to the series after eight weeks lost due to injury.

Almost Immediately After The Stewart Fine,
The Driver’s Council Rally Around The Punished Driver.

Denny Hamlin explained the NASCAR Drivers Council's quick show of solidarity for fellow driver, by expressing that he hoped the sport's competitors would have better freedom to express themselves in the future.

"When Tony informed us of the fine, we didn't agree with it. No one agreed with it and we thought there's something we should do about it," Hamlin stated at the Richmond International Raceway. "I think it was a way for us to send a message back to NASCAR -- not that we were trying to send any specific message, but that, hey, we just believe we should have the right to speak our opinion."

The Driver’s Council (Dale Earnhardt Jr., Denny Hamlin, Tony Stewart, Kyle Larson, Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Joey Logano.) backed up that support by offering to pay the $35,000 fine. Always classy, Tony, while appreciating the Council’s backing, felt the responsibility to pay the fine rested with him. 

Therefore, and impressively, the Council
donated their $35,000 to Autism Delaware.

It should be noted that Hamlin insisted the council's actions were less about lug nuts and more about drivers' ability to speak openly. NASCAR Race Mom says, "yeah for the good guys!"

Now, NASCAR Has Reinstated The Rule????

This week, NASCAR re-amended its policy on securing lug nuts during pit stops, issuing a memo to teams that stated all five lug nuts should be properly secured beginning this coming weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

Going forward, if any lug nuts are found to be loose in post-race inspection, the offending crew chief will be fined and suspended for one race. The new policy applies to all three of NASCAR’s national series: Sprint Cup, X-FINITY and Camping World Trucks.

Okay NASCAR Race Mom is confused. If Tony Stewart’s comments regarding the importance of five lug nuts on tires was merely ‘disparaging’ why follow his suggestions. Even for hard-core NASCAR fans, “Lug-Nut Gate” has been very difficult to follow.

My opinion: if you make a mistake – admit it and move on . . . . and NASCAR racing should not be so complicated that you need to re-write the rule-book every weekend.

"We're trying to get it right, and by the way, we will. We have for 60 years and we will always sort out --” especially when it comes to safety. You can mark that down that we will get to the right place as fast as we can. That's job one for us." Brian France commented.

Everyone could go home the Hero!!!

If you cannot publicly admit that you governed in haste or error, here is a solution. NASCAR Race Mom thinks that going into the Talladega weekend, NASCAR should cough up $35,000 of their own and donate it to a favorite charity, like Victory Junction, whose big Charity Ride fundraiser is kicking off on Saturday. 

That simple gesture would put a sweet topping on this very sour lug-nut topic.

photos: Gregg Forwerck

#NASCAR Implements Team Owner Charter Agreement for NASCAR Sprint Cup Series

During a historic event held today in Charlotte, N.C., NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France joined with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owners to announce a landmark long-term agreement that provides teams with increased business certainty and the ability to work more closely with NASCAR to produce best-in-class racing.

In effect as the 2016 NASCAR season prepares to kick off this weekend, the new Charter system addresses three key areas – participation, governance and economics – to promote a more predictable, sustainable and valuable team business model. The agreement grants NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Charters to 36 teams, establishes a Team Owner Council that will have formal input into decisions, and provides Charter teams with new revenue opportunities including a greater interest in digital operations.

“Today represents a landmark change to the business model of team ownership in NASCAR,” France said. “The Charter agreements provide nine years of stability for NASCAR and the teams to focus on growth initiatives together with our track partners, auto manufacturers, drivers and sponsors. The Charters also are transferable, which will aid in the development of long-term enterprise value for Charter members.”

The system affords Charter teams that remain in good standing more predictable revenue over the nine years of the agreement. Along with improved financial certainty, the new framework is designed to increase the long-term market value of teams and provide the ability to plan farther ahead with existing, new and prospective partners.

Similar to the five-year sanctioning agreements that NASCAR begins with tracks in 2016, team owner Charter agreements allow for longer planning cycles around competition, innovation, digital marketing, governance and research and development.

“The new Charter program strengthens each of our businesses individually and the team model as a whole, which is good for NASCAR, our fans, drivers, sponsors and the thousands of people who we employ,” said Rob Kauffman, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “This will give us more stability and predictability, and it will allow us to take a more progressive, long-term approach to issues.

“NASCAR and the teams share a desire to preserve, promote and grow the sport and ultimately produce great racing for our fans and partners. These common goals served as the foundation for discussions and helped bring us to this unprecedented agreement. This is a great step forward for the entire sport made possible by Brian France setting a new course for the NASCAR industry and the owners coming together on shared issues. Everyone involved then compromised a bit to be able to come up with something that worked for all.”

Each Charter team owner has a guaranteed entry into the field of every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series points race. To maintain the historical openness of NASCAR racing, the balance of the field will be open for team owners who do not hold Charters. These Open team owners will compete for the remaining starting spots and positions in the race, as each event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ starting lineup shifts in 2016 to a 40-car field.

“The new team owner agreements will offer a more appealing environment for both current and prospective team owners at the NASCAR premier series level,” France said. “I’ve always stressed that if we can do things to improve the business of our stakeholders, we will pursue it. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished today with this agreement.”

NASCAR Charter teams

(Listed by historical inception of race team entity, then numerical)

 

2015 Car #	2016 Car #	Organization
43	43	Richard Petty Motorsports
9	44	Richard Petty Motorsports
3	3	Richard Childress Racing
27	27	Richard Childress Racing
31	31	Richard Childress Racing
2	2	Team Penske
22	22	Team Penske
5	5	Hendrick Motorsports
24	24	Hendrick Motorsports
48	48	Hendrick Motorsports
88	88	Hendrick Motorsports
6	6	Roush Fenway Racing
16	16	Roush Fenway Racing
17	17	Roush Fenway Racing
1	1	Chip Ganassi Racing
42	42	Chip Ganassi Racing
11	11	Joe Gibbs Racing
18	18	Joe Gibbs Racing
20	20	Joe Gibbs Racing
15	TBD	Michael Waltrip Racing
55	TBD	Michael Waltrip Racing
4	4	Stewart-Haas Racing
10	10	Stewart-Haas Racing
14	14	Stewart-Haas Racing
78	78	Furniture Row Racing
35	34	Front Row Motorsports
38	38	Front Row Motorsports
47	47	JTG Daugherty Racing
7	7	Tommy Baldwin Racing
13	13	Germain Racing
32	32	Go Fas Racing
23	23	BK Racing
83	83	BK Racing
62	62	Premium Motorsports
33	95	Circle Sport Racing
51	15	HScott Motorsports

Fast Facts: 

• • This long-term agreement is for nine years.
• • There are 36 Charter teams, currently from among 19 organizations. The number 36 was not pre-determined -- NASCAR analyzed which teams showed a long-term commitment to the sport by attempting to qualify every week for the past three years. That criteria yielded 36 Charters.
• • Because of the above criteria, the following teams do not have Charters: the No. 19 of Joe Gibbs Racing, the No. 21 of Wood Brothers Racing, the No. 41 of Stewart-Haas Racing and the No. 46 of HScott Motorsports.
• • A Charter guarantees entry into the field of every Sprint Cup Series points race. Qualifying speeds still determine the lineup.
• • Sprint Cup Series fields will shift from 43 cars to 40 cars. That means 36 Charter teams are guaranteed to make every points race, and four non-Charter (or "open") teams will complete the rest of the field.
• • Charter owners may transfer their Charter to another team, for one full season, once over the first five years of the agreement.
• • Charter teams are held to a minimum performance standard. If a Charter team finishes in the bottom three of the owner standings among all 36 Charter teams for three consecutive years, NASCAR has a right to remove the charter. 
• • Teams may sell their Charters on the open market.
• • Organizations now have a hard cap of four cars; there will be no fifth car for rookie drivers.