After months of negotiation and speculation, the reality of a NASCAR charter system has been revealed. NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France announced on Tuesday the new system, allowing for more financial equity for owners in the Sprint Cup Series, while cutting the size of the fields from 43 cars to 40.
The new system, pushed forward by the owners in the Race Team Alliance led by Chip Ganassi Racing investor Rob Kaufmann, will create more value in the teams for their owners, potentially sparking new interest from outside parties in investing in the sport. However, only 36 charters will be issued, allowing for four at-large teams to be in each race, and compete for the final four spots in the field.
Charters will be distributed to the 36 full-time teams that have competed since 2013. Meanwhile, the price will be set early on for the cost of a charter as Rob Kaufmann will likely sell his two charter from the former Michael Waltrip Racing team to Joe Gibbs Racing (for the #19) and Stewart-Haas Racing (for the #41).
At the announcement, France touted the improvements it will bring to the premier level of racing: “this arrangement…will allow for more competitive race teams.” Among the owners present included those from Richard Petty Motorsports, Roush-Fenway Racing, Tommy Baldwin Racing, and Chip Ganassi Racing.
Main Image Credit
Main Photo Caption: HOMESTEAD, FL – NOVEMBER 22: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Budweiser/Jimmy John’s Chevrolet, leads a pack of cars during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 22, 2015 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
