NASCAR TEAM OFFICIALS 'GROWING FRUSTRATED' AS SPORT HEADED FOR UNCERTAIN FUTURE

NASCAR team owners are growing frustrated with the sport's future seeming uncertain, as Stewart-Haas Racing explores the potential of downsizing its Cup Series team and 23XI Racing co-owner and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin speaks out against the lack of investment from Speedway Motorsports.

NASCAR's revenue system has been criticized in the past and teams have even boycotted meetings as a result of frustrations reaching a boiling point. But now, NASCAR team owners are starting to speak out - including 53-time Cup Series race winner Hamlin, who drives for Joe Gibbs Racing, while also co-owning 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan.

As of right now, teams receive 35% to 40% of industry-wide generated revenue as well as other opportunities such as new tracks and merchandise. The appeal of NASCAR worldwide has continued to grow, but frustrations still remain over charter and revenue system - teams feel they're getting less out than what they're putting into the sport.

Hamlin has recently claimed that his 23XI Racing has invested more into NASCAR than Speedway Motorsports. "It's frustrating because we know that they're taking a bulk and whenever we go to an SMI [Speedway Motorsports] track, they're taking the bulk of the money from the TV revenue," Hamlin said on his podcast.

"And I know personally how much that I've invested in 23XI. I would venture to guarantee you that 23XI has invested more in this sport than SMI has invested in the last 10 years. And we've done it in four years. Just this one team has invested more in this sport. So, there's a problem there. Especially when we get roughly you know half of what they get on any given weekend."

Hamlin and NBA legend Jordan's investment paid off at Talladega last weekend as Tyler Reddick seized victory on the final lap of the Geico 500. Elsewhere, Legacy Motor Club co-owner and seven-time NASCAR Cup Series Jimmie Johnson took a more diplomatic approach to his frustrations - but warned talks are running out of runway.

"I know we feel like the clock is ticking, but if you look at how much time is left, we're just getting into the eighth inning, maybe ninth inning of what really needs to happen in negotiations for all parties," he said.

And to make matters worse, Stewart-Haas Racing is reportedly considering cutting down its Cup Series team, with co-owners Tony Stewart and Gene Haas having invested interests in other areas of motorsport. Stewart-Haas Racing could sell two of its four charters.

A number of teams are keen on the idea of expansion, including Trackhouse Racing, 23XI Racing, and Legacy Motor Club. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s Xfinity Series team, JR Motorsports, has also expressed an interest in joining NASCAR's premium Cup Series.

2024-04-24T16:58:08Z dg43tfdfdgfd