Recent reports have said that NASCAR has agreed to air another documentary about the 2024 playoffs. However, friction may arise if tensions rise in the ongoing charter negotiations.
Amid this, several fans have expressed concerns and criticized the association for delays in the charter agreement. The current charter agreement between the teams and the organization expires at the end of the 2024 season. Negotiations are ongoing between the two sides to reach an agreement that is satisfactory to both parties. But the organization has reportedly resisted the teams’ proposal. Additionally, the association’s current proposal does not provide for a permanent charter and reportedly allows the co-founding French family to buy the charter themselves, raising concerns among the teams.
Reporter Adam Stern said:
Several fans have voiced their opinions on the matter, criticizing the association for not working with the teams to ensure the charter agreement is reached. “NASCAR, you finally got a deal, don’t take this for granted out of greed,” one person said.
“NASCAR really needs to swallow its pride here. It will only hurt the sport if they don’t give in at least a little,” another said. “NASCAR believes anyone can play the role. They think they are the biggest attraction. Not true.” “The teams and drivers deserve to be recognized and get the respect they deserve,” a third fan said.
However, some fans criticized the team for tying the documentary to charter negotiations. “I really hope the team understands these two things don’t need to be linked. Put on a show and build a fanbase. There’s no reason to tie this to charter negotiations,” one fan said. “It’s alarming to have a team willing to stunt the growth of our sport,” another said.
The association scored a major coup last year with a deal with streaming service Netflix to broadcast the 2023 Cup Series playoffs. But rising tensions during charter negotiations could put its ability to cover the 2024 playoffs at risk.
Denny Hamlin points out a key issue amid charter negotiations with NASCAR – “Answer has been no”
Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts on the current charter negotiations. He co-owns 23XI Racing with NBA Hall of Fame member Michael Jordan. There is speculation that 23XI may receive a new charter next year. However, Hamlin noted that teams are constantly fighting with the association over sponsorship. He said (via the Kenny Conversation podcast):
“We have our own sponsors, and NASCAR sends their own sponsorship proposals to get (the association) to put money in, but because of our business model, we are the ones who need (the association) the most. It costs $18 million a year to put a car on the track. We asked NASCAR to just cover our costs, nothing more, just cover the costs of putting on this show for you guys, the fans, and the answer was repeatedly no. ” [1:11:54]
A permanent charter provides financial security for NASCAR team owners, but if that is ruled out in the new charter deal, co-owners Hamlin and Jordan may rethink their plans to buy a third charter for the 2025 season.
