NASCAR might be in for a ‘PGA Tour and LIV Golf’ situation following the cup series team’s latest move
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NASCAR at Richmond Raceway
NASCAR is the world’s premier Stock car racing series and is one of the most successful motorsports racing championships ever. But according to recent reports, it’s in for a messy ride shortly as the cup series teams are planning to venture into non-NASCAR series with their current crew and drivers.
The Race Team Alliance has approached the Wasserman Managing and has instructed them to find the possibility of holding an international or domestic exhibition series in the off-season. All teams that own one of the 36 permanent car entries in the cup series are members of the Alliance.
SBJ quoted Wasserman Managing Dir of U.S Will Pleasants, revealing that RTA approached him to explore the possibilities of the new series. He said, “Been hired to explore exhibition race opportunities, both domestically and internationally, via a (request-for-information proposal) — very exploratory,”.
The event will be held in the off-season and will not be related to NASCAR, as such actions will breach their contract with the organization. Teams want to increase their profit margin with the new venture. It will also help them develop a more suitable broadcasting revenue-sharing deal, as the current contract will run out in 2024.
This will be a matter of concern to the NASCAR officials as it might put them in a situation the PGA tour has found itself in. The top Golfers of the series decided to sign deals with the new Liv Golf championship costing more money. The series had to make many radical changes to its business.
NASCAR teams already had a breakaway exhibition series
The International Race of Champions, formed in 1970, is the predecessor of the current series RTA is planning. It was created by Les Richter, Roger Penske, and Mike Phelps and was an American Motorsports equivalent of the All-Star game.
The series primarily focused on the driver’s ability to deliver under pressure rather than cars. All the drivers were provided cars manufactured and modified by the same firm to race. The series was an invitational event, and drivers from NASCAR, IndyCar, and Sports car racing. Drivers from drag racing and sprint racing were also invited.
Most races were held in ovals, and Mark Martin is a five times champion of the series; Ironically enough, Martin has never won a cup championship. Dale Earnhardt is the second most successful with four championship wins.
After declining TV viewership, the series failed to attract sponsors for its 2007 edition. In 2008 all tools and cars associated with the championship were auctioned, and they announced the official end of the series. NASCAR legend Tony Stewart is the last champion of the series.
Also read: Greg Ives is all set to lead Garage 56 to Le Mans Glory
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Justin P Joy
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