NASCAR is a cutthroat business. From drivers getting released and replaced after a poor run of form to teams getting disbanded due to lack of finances, the sport is unforgiving. Unsurprisingly, keeping your seat at the top requires skill and determination which can only come from the desire to win. And when it comes to winning, what bigger stage than the Daytona 500? With the season around the corner, drivers without a seat are trying to get their hands on one before the day arrives. It has gone as far as a father making an outlandish promise to secure his son’s seat.

Recently, former IndyCar driver Sage Karam’s father, Jody Karam, made an unusual move. Jody made an open offer to NASCAR teams on behalf of his son, proposing an ambitious deal to team owners. Sage has nine Indy 500 starts with his best performance coming in 2021 when he finished in the top 10. Notably, Sage also won the 2013 Indy NXT championship. While his recent finishes have been a mixed bag, his IndyCar background and experience in high-stakes environments could make him an asset. Ahead of the Daytona International Speedway season opener, his father made a bold statement that emphasized the sheer confidence he has in his son.

Jody Karam makes an ambitious offer

Jody Karam, current wrestling coach at Easton High School and former real estate advisor’s call to NASCAR team owners is not without merit. Sage Karam has consistently demonstrated resilience and skill throughout his career. Despite limited starts in the Xfinity Series, Sage has proven his ability to compete with seasoned drivers. In the 2024 season, he participated in six races for teams like Sam Hunt Racing, Jordan Anderson Racing, and SS Green Light Racing.

Considering his son’s skills and abilities, star wrestling coach Jade Karam posted a bold claim in his post on X to pitch his son. He wrote, “Any @NASCAR_Xfinity team owner interested in getting at least a top-five finish at @Daytona this year? Put my son @SageKaram in your car. @mystlukes @RichMarFlorist.” While Sage has not been a success story in NASCAR yet, his performance in the series is noteworthy.

In 2023, Sage had his best NASCAR Xfinity season as he earned three Top 20s, including a top 5. His best performance came at Road America with Sam Hunt Racing, where he finished fourth. However, in 2024 his performances dipped, as he notched up just one top-20 finish in six races. Yet, his father feels he has more than what it takes to put together a stellar Daytona 500 run.

Apart from his skills on the track, Sage Karam has also been a symbol of hope for the community. Last year after Hurricane Helene, Karam and his representatives, Snow Belt MGMT, joined hands with Kellum Law Firm and others to pay homage to the people of North Carolina. “As we’re seeing horrifying photos and videos of Hurricane Milton pummelling Florida, people in Asheville are still reeling from the massive damage from Hurricane Helene, I’m proud to be able to represent the strength and resiliency of North Carolinians this weekend,” said Karam. Snow Belt MGMT brought back several partners of Karam to make donations for the North Carolina relief fund.

Meanwhile, Sage Karam in also been vocal about various issues within NASCAR. Last year when Kyle Larson missed the championship 4 by a barest of margin, Karam questioned the format. He openly expressed his disappointment and called it ‘hard to process’.

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Sage Karam failed to digest Kyle Larson’s exit

The 2021 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson had a stellar season in 2024. He led an impressive 1,687 laps, claimed 12 stage wins, and achieved six victories, 15 top-five finishes, and 17 top-10 finishes. However, after pit-stop issues and collisions marred his payoffs, Larson narrowly missed out on Championship 4 by just seven points.

This result didn’t sit well with Sage Karam as he questioned the points system. He highlighted the unfairness of the playoff system, stating, “Wild that Larson isn’t running for a championship after a year like he had. Sometimes I understand the playoffs, but this one is hard to process honestly.”

Karam’s comments resonated with fans, the playoff system had been a topic of debate ever since Logano managed to sneak his way to the Championship 4. The Penske #22 won just one regular-season race to book his spot and then proceeded to win three playoff races in Atlanta, Las Vegas, and Phoenix on his way to his third championship. Fans on Karam’s side of the ship lamented Logano’s win and called for a restructuring of the format.

As we head into 2025, the format is still unchanged. However, Karam could care less about any of this if he gets a shot at the Daytona 500. With his father marketing him as a surefire top-5 finish, despite having only two in his Xfinity career, time will tell whether Sage gets his shot at the crown jewel event.