NASCAR’s Faulty Business Model Accused of Corrupting Purity of Motorsports

NASCAR could undergo a major change if 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports win the antitrust lawsuit. The tussle between the two parties revolves around charters and revenue splits. And that is exactly what has altered the current model of NASCAR racing—one that promotes big bucks and sponsorship money over talent.

During the silly season rumors, you must have often heard, that this driver doesn’t bring enough sponsorship money. Therefore, a move to the team is unlikely. Yeah, that’s how vital the money aspect has become in NASCAR these days. Even a driver that breaks through at the Trucks and Xfinity level still has to worry about the funding that could fuel their rise to the Cup level.

So what exactly is the solution to this issue? Here’s what industry experts like Brett Griffin and Jeff Gluck had to say.

NASCAR business model needs a major revamp

While the Cup Series teams have ties with big corporations, sponsorship money isn’t the deciding factor, at least not with big teams. You have the likes of Ross Chastain, Josh Berry, and Tyler Reddick, all breaking through the ranks from the lower series to now competing at the highest level. But the situation is far from ideal in the Xfinity and Truck Series.

Ryan Truex was arguably better than a lot of full-time drivers in the 2024 season running a part-time schedule. He even won two races but is still looking to switch to a full-time ride for next year. Another example is Rajah Caruth; if it weren’t for Rick Hendrick’s endorsement, he might not have been able to run full-time in the Truck Series. So, you see, even the talented race car drivers are having to rely on this business model that is pushing the talent away from the teams.

This is what Brett Griffin had to say about the current business model and what changes he would like to see. “Take a prominent team in the Xfinity Series right now; they’re most likely not out there selling sponsorship and signing a driver; they’re signing drivers that are bringing four plus million dollars. However, they come up with it, whether it’s family money or whether it’s they found the partners. But if you don’t have money, do not race.” He said this on the Door Bumper Clear podcast.

Sharing similar concerns about the plight of the current business model, Athletic’s Jeff Gluck added, “I hope this doesn’t get to Cup someday, and it’s creeping. You certainly don’t want a series at the top level of NASCAR where every ride is bought and it’s based on sponsorship. You want the old model of, Hey, we’re a team; we think this is the best guy; we want to go out and get this guy because this is going to help us win.”

When talented drivers get promoted to the premier series, you get to witness the likes of Tyler Reddick and Ryan Blaney. Both of them got promoted through Brad Keselowski Racing and are now one of the top performers in the series.

NASCAR needs more teams operating like BK Racing and JRM

Dale Earnhardt Jr. has not only helped many Cup drivers get their first big break but has also nurtured talent at the Xfinity level. The likes of Josh Berry, Chase Elliott, Tyler Reddick, and Noah Gragson have all raced under the JRM umbrella. Similarly, Brad Keselowski Racing at the Cup level helped the likes of Ryan Blaney, Daniel Hemric, and Austin Cindric get their first taste of competing with the big boys.

The defending Cup Series champion tipped his hat towards BK Racing for nurturing him and other drivers while they were young. “I think it just shows Brad’s program there; I mean, a lot of great drivers that have come through that, and I was fortunate to be a part of it. Between myself, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain, and Daniel Hemric, there’s pedigree over there. BKR was amazing, and I owe Brad a lot because he gave me my first chance in NASCAR. So it’s neat to kind of have that connection.” Blaney said after winning at Martinsville.

On the flip side, it is good to see that JRM is bringing in talents like Connor Zilisch and Carson Kvapil. Meanwhile, Trackhouse has put its faith in Kiwi driver Shane van Gisbergen in handing his first rookie season ride for 2025. Hopefully, this trend will continue and more talented drivers get a genuine shot to display their racing skills.