Ever since the inception of the Charter System in 2016, NASCAR has faced plenty of issues getting new teams and owners to enter. Despite that, there is one major entry in the 2023 Cup Series lineup to look forward to. This means that there is a new contender for the drivers to face, as a new owner enters the series next year.
A new owner 3F Racing will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series in the 2023 season. Apparently, the fresh new contender with German roots will skip the Truck and Xfinity series as they launch straight into the cup. Here is everything you need to know about the new contender.
It’s a go for the German team despite the mammoth charter price
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According to a Sportnaut report, the owner, Dennis Hirtz, was reported to make his debut at the Charlotte ROVAL this past season. However, that didn’t go as planned because the future of the team was still uncertain. But it seems like their plan has gained more clarity now. Hirtz told Motorsport.com, “We are planning five to ten entries and until 2025 we are pursuing the strategy of starting as a full-time team, then with just one driver. Before that, we will race part-time with several drivers.”
3 friends – one goal! The 1st German #NASCAR Cup Series race team in the sports history! Stay tuned and follow for #30 @3fRacing #Motorsport #Racing pic.twitter.com/IsI2MF0gGI
— 3F_Racing (@3fRacing) July 18, 2022
3F Racing’s first challenge would have been a financial one, with charter prices going up to a whopping $30 million. Yet, their plan seems to be in motion as they have secured the #30 car. Moreover, Hirtz purchased his NASCAR license earlier this year, too.
It is worth considering that the mammoth charter price boosts started back when NASCAR shifted to the Next-Gen car. Hilariously enough, that was one of the most expensive cup series cars. Despite the very high costs, it was one of the most unsafe cars we have had in around 10 years.
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan faced issues buying a charter for their NASCAR team
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The highest reported charter cost goes to 23XI Racing, when Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin paid a whopping $13.5 million. But there is a possibility that 3F Racing could top that number. Yet, NASCAR president Steve Phelps remains confident in the charter system. Forbes quoted what he said in 2020, “The charter agreement is delivering stability and long-term value to existing team owners while providing a clear path for ownership in the Nascar Cup Series,”
The president added, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with the team owners that extends the length of the charter system until 2024. A healthy ownership structure ensures strong, competitive racing for our fans, which is a goal the industry collectively shares.”
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But it seems like the price is steadily boosting along with the demand. More and more owners are trying to get their hands on charters. One of the best examples is Dale Earnhardt Jr. trying to bring JR Motorsports to the Cup Series. But do you think NASCAR will comply and help cut the costs of charters? Let us know in the comments.