Steve Phelps sets the record straight on ‘improved’ NASCAR charters as he credits the France family’s “grit and ingenuity”

NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps has reaffirmed the sport's commitment to charters. He also praised the France family for building the brand from scratch.

NASCAR has been embroiled in the antitrust lawsuit for over a year now. The case recently took a turn for the worse when the presiding judge dismissed NASCAR's counterclaim against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.

The decision leaves NASCAR's stance in jeopardy, as many expect a settlement to smooth things over. However, 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin has rebuked any claims of mediation.

With the sport's future uncertain, Steve Phelps released a statement to address growing concerns. NASCAR reporter Jenna Fryer shared an excerpt that read,

“NASCAR is committed to charters. I also want to be clear, the France family started NASCAR in 1948 using their own resources, grit and ingenuity. They have taken countless personal and financial risks, investing billions of dollars in untold hours into growing this sport, to create the opportunity for teams to race in front of fans for nearly eight decades."

Ever since the charter's introduction in 2016, FRM owner Bob Jenkins has reportedly lost over $60 million. The details emerged when the charter deal was made public earlier this week.

According to documents uncovered in the discovery process, teams average $140,000 per race, while drivers finishing below 25th earn paltry sums. Moreover, NASCAR reported a net profit of just $103 million in 2024, further raising doubts about the system in place. The 2025 charter deal, however, takes advantage of the new $7.7 billion media rights deal.

The case is heading to a December trial, where both parties will present their arguments before a jury.

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Steve Phelps 'unsure' about global expansion

Steve Phelps recently shared his take on NASCAR's global reach. He believes the stock car racing series has unrealised potential among international markets.

In an interview with Axios Media Trends Live, the commissioner said,

"Ours is about really, again, a sensory experience and one that I think globally is is gonna work out really well for us. We believe that there are other opportunities to create a global racing series." "What that looks like at this particular point. I'm unsure, but I know as a sport and as a brand and things Americana, it can work outside of our borders," Steve Phelps added.

NASCAR recently had its first points-paying race outside the U.S. in 67 years. The 100-lap event was held at Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Hometown driver Daniel Suarez claimed the Xfinity Series race, while his Trakchouse Racing teammate clinched the Cup Series counterpart.

Notably, the event garnered NASCAR's youngest demographic since 2017. NASCAR's viewership stats also beat the likes of F1 and IndyCar that weekend. However, the sport won't be returning to the road course in 2026.

Instead, the series is now expanding to new tracks like the San Diego road course, which will be built around the Naval base in Coronado.

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Edited by Vignesh Kanna