NASCAR confirmed Tuesday that it presented “framework concepts” for future qualification to compete in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series with “an eye toward implementing” the new model next year.
Car owners have talked about a need to give their organizations more value, something akin to franchising in other sports.
“It’s critical,’’ car owner Richard Childress said this summer. “We’ve just got to have some long-term equity in these race teams and we don’t have it. NASCAR is aware of it, and they’re taking a deep look at everything.
“The sport is at a point (that) to be able to keep quality teams, NASCAR knows they’ve got to work in other areas to try to help all the teams survive.’’
Michael Waltrip Racing will cease early next year. Rob Kauffman, co-owner of MWR and chairman of the Race Team Alliance, has noted that the current setup is a “very difficult business model” for teams.
Brett Jewkes, NASCAR senior vice president and chief communications officer, issued a statement about Tuesday’s meeting:
“Earlier today NASCAR met with all Sprint Cup Series owners and presented framework concepts for future qualification to compete in NASCAR’s top national series with an eye toward implementing a new model for the 2016 season. The on-going dialogue with the entire industry has been very good and today’s session was another productive step in that process. NASCAR, the tracks and the team owners all have the same collective goal: making the sport as strong and competitive as it can be for decades to come.
“Today’s meeting was one step in the process. There is still a lot of work to be done and that will continue over the coming months. We understand there will be speculation and rumors related to the concepts outlined today, but would caution against coming to any conclusions as we work toward final decisions. When it is appropriate to do so, NASCAR will make an official announcement. In the meantime, we are excited about the 2015 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and this weekend’s race at Dover.”