NASCAR and the team owners are yet to see eye-to-eye in penning down a charter extension deal that keeps the sport running. Charters did secure the spot for the team on the grid, but with the changing dynamics of the sporting world, the teams want an ownership stake. Therefore, they have demanded permanent charters and a better share of the revenue pie from the existing model.

Charters, in short, are investments that need renewal every 10 years or so. Therefore, it is hard to put a price tag on it. Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing acquired a charter for $13.5 million. Similarly, Spire Motorsports paid $40 million in 2023, so there’s been a rapid increase in the value of the charters.

Given the deadlock situation, everyone has an opinion about the charter negotiations. But as far as Ross Chastain, who currently has a net worth of $4 million, is concerned. He feels he missed out on a good investment prospect when charters were first launched.

Ross Chastain laments about a missed opportunity

As tense as things are between NASCAR and the team owners, it is expected the two parties will find common ground to sign an extension. What started as a simple idea of securing a team’s spot on the grid has now blossomed into a franchise model. Whether NASCAR likes it or not, this is how the charters are being perceived.

Ahead of the Daytona race, Ross Chastain was asked if he was keeping tabs on the current situation about the charter negotiations. To which he replied, “I’m not in the charter business. I look back, and I probably wish that I would’ve, right? And that’s any investment that you look back in hindsight and it would’ve been good when charters first came out as investments. I wasn’t smart enough then; maybe not smart enough now, I don’t know.” Chastain said this in the press conference ahead of the qualifying rounds at Daytona.

Although teams like 23XI Racing, Trackhouse Racing, and Spire Motorsports made a swift impact on the sport with their investments. There’s also the example of Stewart Haas Racing, which had to shut down its operations handling four charters. “It’s worked out good for some and not so good for others. I think it’s been a win for everybody though but I don’t study it, and I get information after it has already happened.” Chastain added.

Keeping himself away from the outside noise and needless chatter is the best thing Chastain can do for himself right now. With just two regular-season races left, he will need his best efforts to cross the finish line and advance further into the season.

Chastain isn’t bothered about getting enough points

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The No. 1 team is in a rather sticky spot, placed 16th on the bubble without a win to secure their playoff spot. In such instances, most drivers and teams try to capitalize on the points to ensure their advance to the next round. As dicey as it might sound, these tactics have worked in the past. Ask Bubba Wallace and the #23 team.

Going into the Daytona weekend, Ross Chastain faces a similar situation. Choosing between going all out for a win or playing it smart in bagging enough points. The melon man isn’t big on plans or strategy but rather relies on his racecraft. “Won’t be in my mind while I’m racing. I’m sure Chris has said it; the other guys have said it; you just can’t do that. It’s not possible for me, so we just go racing.” Chastain explained.

We have seen the melon man pull off a trick or two up his sleeve in the past, and he certainly will be needing more of that at the Daytona and Darlington races.