When all 13 NASCAR Cup Series teams signed the charter agreement, it felt like the owners bent their knees against the might of the France family. It was surprising to see the likes of Roger Penske, Rick Hendrick, and Joe Gibbs give in to pressure. Only Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin at 23XI Racing, along with Bob Jenkins from FRM, chose to challenge the status quo by taking NASCAR to court. With most teams having signed the agreement, it looked like NASCAR certainly had the final say, but the recent update from the preliminary injunction hearing paints a rather different picture.

NASCAR’s lawyer and Michael Jordan’s opponent, Chris Yates, in court last week said under oath, “Roger Penske is not a man to be pushed around.” Jeena Fryer from AP posted this on X. This was a response to a query made by a fan regarding the exclusivity clause in the charter deal. And this is where things get interesting.

According to the charter agreement, the teams pledge to race in NASCAR and not participate in other leagues, while NASCAR holding their end of the bargain would not increase the number of charters. This now will come into question given that motorsports tycoon and the owner of Team Penske, Roger Penske, has purchased the Long Beach Grand Prix for his motorsports series, IndyCar.

Having lost its presence in the South California market after the Clash, NASCAR was eyeing to bag the ownership rights to the event. But Roger Penske was one step ahead of his rivals and sealed the deal for the longest-running major street race in North America. The circuit was under the control of longtime owner and former Champ Car team owner, Gerald R. Forsythe. The deal will ensure that the Southern California race remains an IndyCar event, at least until its contract with the city of Long Beach ends in 2028.

Back in 1983, the circuit hosted the Formula 1 event, and John Watson from McLaren emerged as the winner. At the same time, F1 legend Niki Lauda finished runner-up. However, Champ Car replaced the F1 event in 1984, and IndyCar took over in 2008. Thus serving as a historic event for American open-wheel racing, and now that Roger Penske has taken over the ownership, this legacy will continue forward.

The 2025 event will mark the 50th anniversary of the Grand Prix of Long Beach event. The three-day event sees crowds of more than 190,000 flock to witness the racing spectacle, and this also serves as a major economic boost for the entire region.

Roger Penske looks to expand and grow the IndyCar Series under his stewardship

It would be an understatement if we labeled Roger Penske’s racing vision as ambitious. Ever since he acquired the sport, it has gone through tremendous changes that have fueled the growth of the teams and the series as a whole. Penske Entertainment, which owns and manages the racing operation for the 87-year-old industry veteran, announced its first-ever establishment of a charter system in IndyCar’s history. It will begin in 2025 and extend through 2031. Ten IndyCar Series owners have been awarded 25 charters.

Having a charter guarantees a starting position on the grid at all NTT IndyCar Series races, except the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge. Further, if teams want to qualify for the annual NTT IndyCar Series Leaders Circle program, they will need charters. Each team will get a maximum of three charters and this system was positively received by team owners.

It looks like Penske is learning a thing or two about the charters negotiating with NASCAR.

In October, Penske Entertainment unveiled the IndyCar Grand Prix of Arlington, which is the first of its kind collaboration with the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. This event is expected to cost around $50 million, which will be shared among the three parties involved in the deal. And now, with the acquisition of the Long Beach Grand Prix, IndyCar is spreading its wings far and wide, which could make it the premier auto racing series in America.

“We’re incredibly proud to be the new stewards of this cherished and iconic event. This is the most historic and prestigious street circuit race in North America, and we’re excited to work with Jim Michaelian and his great team in Long Beach to ensure continued success and growth over the long term. This race and its loyal fans matter so much to everyone across the INDYCAR community, and we’re looking forward to a very special 50th-anniversary celebration this April, as well.” IndyCar owner Roger Penske said in a press release.

As far as NASCAR is concerned, they will have to look for different alternatives in their expansion project. They already have bagged a date for an international race for 2025, and they do have the commitment to race in Chicago for the third iteration. So they have got their hands full at the moment.