The Future of Stock Car Racing: Exploring New Territories

In an unexpected turn of events, the world of Stock Car racing is poised for a significant transformation as teams explore opportunities beyond the traditional NASCAR framework. The upcoming trial for the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, set to commence on December 1, has opened the floodgates to a myriad of documents, emails, and text messages, revealing the strategic discussions among racing teams.

Innovative Concepts on the Horizon

Over the last two years, the Race Team Alliance (RTA) has engaged in discussions regarding the possibility of hosting exhibition races that would operate independently from NASCAR. These races are envisioned to feature Cup Series drivers in unconventional locations such as the Sultanate of Oman, Mexico City, New Orleans, Downtown Nashville, and even at the renowned Churchill Downs racetrack. This ambitious initiative is founded on the belief that “the world is ready for Stock Car racing,” as expressed by Jonathan Marshall, the executive director of RTA.

The move to explore these new racing venues is not merely a whimsical idea but is intricately linked to ongoing negotiations between race teams and NASCAR regarding charter extensions. The RTA aims to leverage its intellectual property while simultaneously seeking a more favorable agreement with the sanctioning body of the sport.

Strategic Discussions Among Team Leaders

Marshall’s insights were shared with prominent figures in the racing community, including RTA founder Rob Kaufman, Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks, and former RFK Racing president Steve Newmark. In these interactions, Marshall raised a crucial question: "What is everyone’s take on whether we gain leverage by doing this still?" He wondered if pursuing these unconventional races would still be beneficial in light of ongoing discussions with NASCAR.

Kaufman weighed in with a strong perspective, urging his peers to take decisive action. "Guys, my two cents… Are we serious or not? Justin (Marks) is 100% spot on. We think that merely ‘feigning’ a move will get Uncle Jim (France) to change the deal; we are kidding ourselves." His conversations with several senior NASCAR team principals indicated a consensus that NASCAR would not budge unless faced with substantial concessions to preserve their television deals.

Kaufman firmly believed that the RTA should push forward with an exhibition race, asserting, "This is doable. Even if things were going right in the Daytona discussions, it’s a very strong brand-building opportunity that should be profitable." His rallying cry to the RTA’s Team Negotiating Committee underscored the urgency of seizing this opportunity.

Potential Race Formats and Locations

The discussions surrounding these exhibition races included a diverse range of ideas and potential formats. Key figures such as former Stewart-Haas Racing president Brett Frood and former SRX co-owner Ray Evernham contributed to brainstorming sessions on how to bring these concepts to fruition. Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI Racing, also played a pivotal role in strategizing these initiatives.

Marks proposed an intriguing idea: transporting Trans-Am Series TA2 cars to Oman and leaving them there to help cultivate a local racing culture after the departure of Cup Series stars. The RTA also contemplated utilizing Late Models or even creating a proprietary car designed and built by Evernham himself. The TA2 car, with its road racing Super Late Model characteristics, could serve as a viable option for these races.

Evernham speculated that the initial cost of designing and building a prototype proprietary car would range between $350,000 to $450,000. Once established, these cars could be mass-produced, opening up further opportunities for expansion. He envisioned a plan that would allow for the establishment of a racing series specifically for Omanis within a short timeline of 12 to 16 months.

Building a Racing Culture

The potential locations for these races in Oman raised exciting possibilities. Two primary options were discussed, both in the capital city of Muscat. One option involved racing on the streets of Muscat, drawing parallels to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix. The other considered utilizing the Sultan Qaboos Stadium, echoing the concept of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

However, Lauletta expressed skepticism about obtaining information from NASCAR on how to replicate the successful Los Angeles event, highlighting the competitive nature of the information exchange. Marshall noted that while the primary focus might be on leveraging this opportunity, the potential for creating a new league was very much alive, especially with the possibility of hosting a ‘winter series’ in venues across Oman, Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Intellectual Property and Future Expansion

The discussions not only revolved around the logistics of conducting these races but also focused on how to retain intellectual property rights. Evernham emphasized the importance of the RTA or a designated ownership company maintaining all rights to the intellectual property. He envisioned a scenario where local participants in Oman would need to continuously purchase replacement parts and cars from the ownership company, paving the way for a franchise system if they chose to expand the racing series.

To move forward, a detailed plan would necessitate a site visit to Oman, allowing team members to conduct cultural surveys and refine their proposals based on firsthand observations. This initiative is seen as a starting point for comprehensive discussions that would evolve as feedback is received.

Marks revealed that he had engaged in discussions with the Omani Minister of Sport and Youth, presenting financial projections for hosting an exhibition race featuring Cup Series stars. These conversations underscored the significant interest in integrating Stock Car racing into the Middle Eastern sports landscape.

The Financial Aspect of Racing in New Regions

The logistics of transporting cars to the Middle East also came into play during discussions. Marks highlighted the importance of estimating the costs associated with preparing Gen-6 cars for the proposed races. He indicated that he could prepare a basic cost estimate for transporting 20 Gen-6 cars, along with the necessary support infrastructure, by cargo plane to the Middle East.

Overall, the RTA had outlined four distinct geographic concepts for an independent exhibition series that could involve drivers from their respective teams. The conversations spearheaded by Marks focused on Nashville and Oman as the most promising locations, although there were also discussions with the Wasserman Group regarding potential events in Mexico City and Churchill Downs.

The Reaction from NASCAR

As the RTA explored the possibility of hosting their own exhibition races, NASCAR responded by withdrawing its editorial support for the Snowball Derby in December 2022. This prestigious grassroots Super Late Model race, widely regarded as a hallmark event in the racing community, was subsequently broadcast on Racing America, the media platform owned by the RTA. This development illustrated the competitive dynamics at play as teams and NASCAR navigate their relationship in an evolving landscape.

The journey toward establishing an independent exhibition series represents a bold step for Stock Car racing, showcasing the desire for innovation and growth within the sport. As teams continue to explore uncharted territories and negotiate their positions, the future of racing may witness a significant shift, with opportunities for expansion and brand building on an international scale. The developments in Oman, Nashville, and beyond could redefine the narrative of Stock Car racing and create new avenues for fans and participants alike.