There has been a bit of a problem between NASCAR as an organization and the teams who partake in the sport. Mostly surrounding the financial aspect of things, especially surrounding the new TV deal. Many have since speculated that there is a sort of war brewing between the teams and NASCAR. However, during a recent interview with Trackhouse Racing Boss, he denied this being a beginning of a war.
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The fundamental problem here starts with the financial split that the teams would receive for a new TV deal. The original split, as decided by NASCAR, was 65% for tracks, 25% for teams, and 10% for the organization itself. However, teams argued for a higher percentage of the share. Their principal argument being at the present moment, almost 75% of a team’s annual income comes from sponsorship money.
The Trackhouse Racing co-0wner stated, “It’s an emotional time for a lot of the stakeholders in the sport, for sure. And I think that the key element there is the word ‘explorer’. And I think that for the amount of money that we have invested as teams in the sport, for the opportunity that our sport has in front of us in a very quickly changing sports media landscape, to be responsible enterprises and to be responsible, owners in the sport.”
“We have to educate ourselves. We have to know what’s happening out in the world. And we have to explore different things and see where our opportunities are. And I don’t think that this is the beginning of a war…”
Justin Marks talks about the business side of NASCAR teams
Marks later continued the conversation and explained how the relationship between the teams and the organization was crucial. He also outlined how they were also a business in the end and how they would have to explore any opportunity that comes their way in order to stay afloat.
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Marks further stated, “I think, you know, there’s probably a lot more to it and it’s a lot deeper. I think, you know, I think for Trackhouse, it’s interesting to be. To be a part of these conversations and to sort of see what’s happening, you know, what’s happening around us.”
“But as far as Trackhouse and we value deeply our relationship with NASCAR. We are so committed to the NASCAR Cup Series. But we’re a business also that’s independent of this racing series. And we have to explore all of the opportunities in this world to grow revenue and to grow our brand,“ he concluded.
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Apparently, after the teams voiced their concerns, NASCAR president Steve Phelps announced their readiness to offer the teams “a fair relationship” soon enough. Phelps further stated that they will not carry the negotiations in front of the media, but behind closed doors. In the end, he stated that they are going to do what is “fair” for the teams while continuing to maintain good relations with them.