Official NASCAR Series News Thread

[superjames1992]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

Yeah, that's unfortunate and a bit of a freak accident.

I've never been a few Stewart fan, but I'll definitely be rooting for him this season.

[superjames1992]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

I absolutely know what Richzilla means about the first 20 races meaning nothing. I've kind of felt that way ever since the inception of the Chase in 2004, but it's even worse now. I will admit that the way the current Chase is structured is very exciting and makes for good TV and tense moments with the
different elimination rounds, but I wish it would reward the best driver over the course of the season. As it is, it basically comes down to one race. I prefer the old system.

There's also the issue that different tracks are valued higher than others in this system, which may benefit or hurt certain drivers. For example, with this system if you aren't good at Homestead, how are you ever going to win a Championship? All tracks aren't the same.

[Cutter15]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

There's also the issue that different tracks are valued higher than others in this system, which may benefit or hurt certain drivers. For example, with this system if you aren't good at Homestead, how are you ever going to win a Championship? All tracks aren't the same.

Kyle Busch career at Homestead:
2005 - 41st
2006 - 38th
2007 - 20th
2008 - 19th
2009 - 8th
2010 - 32nd
2011 - 23rd
2012 - 4th
2013 - 7th
2014 - 39th
2015 - 1st
Avg finish prior to the win: 23.1

[superjames1992]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

Kyle Busch career at Homestead:
2005 - 41st
2006 - 38th
2007 - 20th
2008 - 19th
2009 - 8th
2010 - 32nd
2011 - 23rd
2012 - 4th
2013 - 7th
2014 - 39th
2015 - 1st
Avg finish prior to the win: 23.1

That's nice, but a driver who is generally good at Homestead is going to have an advantage. Some drivers are better at certain tracks than others. We have great intermediate track drivers, we have drivers who are better at short tracks, etc.

[franko3219]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

That's nice, but a driver who is generally good at Homestead is going to have an advantage. Some drivers are better at certain tracks than others. We have great intermediate track drivers, we have drivers who are better at short tracks, etc.

I agree with you here. I do like the playoff format. To your point above, I'd like to see the final round be four races long; one short track (PHX/Martinsville/Bristol/Richmond), one intermediate (Atlanta/Charlotte/Vegas/Fontana/Homestead/Texas), one road (Mid-Ohio/Sonoma/Sears Point), and one super speedway (Daytona). The winner is determined by the combined total of those four races. You can rotate the tracks for each category every year, with the exception of Daytona. That way Daytona becomes the true Super Bowl of motor racing.

[brandon27]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

Disappointed for Tony Stewart. Was really hoping he'd get one last shot to win the Daytona 500. It's got to be killing him to know that he's now officially got no shot basically.

It's a shame. Should have been exciting to follow his last season, now he's going to miss the starting few (possibly) weeks of it.


As for the caution clock... I think it will be good for the truck series. I highly doubt, even if it works, that it makes its way to the higher series. It's worth trying in that series anyways. Hell, just think back to how the races used to be when they first started that series. It's a good experimentation grounds. It's going to help them keep the playing field level too. Breed that side by side racing, and racing up through the pack that these youngsters trying to work their way to the cup levels need.

[BurghFan]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

NASCAR Announces Landmark New Ownership Structure

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- NASCAR Chairman & CEO Brian France announced a milestone long-term agreement Tuesday, unveiling a Charter system that is expected to substantially increase team value and sustainability for owners competing in NASCAR's premier series.

"Today represents a landmark change to the business model of team ownership in NASCAR," France said. "The Charter agreements provide nine years of stability for NASCAR and the teams to focus on the growth initiatives together with our track partners, auto manufacturers, drivers and sponsors."

Thirty-six teams have been granted Charters and are guaranteed entry into each of the 36 points events. Standards for obtaining a Charter were based on participation during the past three seasons (from 2013 through July of '15).

Four additional positions in the field each week will be determined through normal qualifying procedures as outlined in the 2016 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book.

As a result of the changes, fields for Sprint Cup races will now consist of 40 cars.

The Charter system, a form of which owners have sought in an effort to bolster value of their organizations and which was initiated by NASCAR more than a year ago, will provide stability by guaranteeing sponsors and other potential partners continued participation for an extended period of time.

So, only 40 car fields now with 36 charter teams guaranteed spots. From what little I've gathered on the open-wheeled series, this seems to be more along the lines of how the IRL does it. The 19 (Carl Edwards) and 41 (Kurt Busch) currently aren't chartered in, but strangely MWR still has 2 charters (15, 55) despite closing their doors after last season so presumably the 19 and 41 teams could buy the charters from the 55 and 15 teams to be guaranteed spots.

[Happy29]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

NASCAR Announces Charter-Based Ownership System

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Brian France joined with NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owners today to announce a new, Charter-based ownership model that will govern the sport for the next nine years.
The new Charter system addresses three key areas – participation, governance and economics – to promote a more predictable, sustainable and valuable team business model. The agreement grants NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Charters to 36 teams, establishes a Team Owner Council that will have formal input into decisions and provides Charter teams with new revenue opportunities, including a greater interest in digital operations.
“Today represents a landmark change to the business model of team ownership in NASCAR,” said France. “The Charter agreements provide nine years of stability for NASCAR and the teams to focus on growth initiatives together with our track partners, auto manufacturers, drivers and sponsors. The Charters also are transferable, which will aid in the development of long-term enterprise value for Charter members.”
The system affords Charter teams that remain in good standing more predictable revenue over the nine years of the agreement. Along with improved financial certainty, the new framework is designed to increase the long-term market value of teams and provide the ability to plan farther ahead with existing, new and prospective partners.
Similar to the five-year sanctioning agreements that NASCAR begins with tracks in 2016, team owner Charter agreements allow for longer planning cycles around competition, innovation, digital marketing, governance and research and development.
“The new Charter program strengthens each of our businesses individually and the team model as a whole, which is good for NASCAR, our fans, drivers, sponsors and the thousands of people who we employ,” said Rob Kauffman, co-owner of Chip Ganassi Racing. “This will give us more stability and predictability, and it will allow us to take a more progressive, long-term approach to issues.
“NASCAR and the teams share a desire to preserve, promote and grow the sport and ultimately produce great racing for our fans and partners. These common goals served as the foundation for discussions and helped bring us to this unprecedented agreement. This is a great step forward for the entire sport made possible by Brian France setting a new course for the NASCAR industry and the owners coming together on shared issues. Everyone involved then compromised a bit to be able to come up with something that worked for all.”
Each Charter team owner has a guaranteed entry into the field of every NASCAR Sprint Cup Series point-counting race. To maintain the historical openness of NASCAR racing, the balance of the field will be open for team owners who do not hold Charters. These Open team owners will compete for the remaining starting spots and positions in the race, as each event in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series’ starting lineup shifts in 2016 to a 40-car field.
“The new team owner agreements will offer a more appealing environment for both current and prospective team owners at the NASCAR premier series level,” France said. “I’ve always stressed that if we can do things to improve the business of our stakeholders, we will pursue it. I’m very proud of what we’ve accomplished today with this agreement.”

2015 Car #

2016 Car #

Organization

43

43

Richard Petty Motorsports

9

44

Richard Petty Motorsports

3

3

Richard Childress Racing

27

27

Richard Childress Racing

31

31

Richard Childress Racing

2

2

Team Penske

22

22

Team Penske

5

5

Hendrick Motorsports

24

24

Hendrick Motorsports

48

48

Hendrick Motorsports

88

88

Hendrick Motorsports

6

6

Roush Fenway Racing

16

16

Roush Fenway Racing

17

17

Roush Fenway Racing

1

1

Chip Ganassi Racing

42

42

Chip Ganassi Racing

11

11

Joe Gibbs Racing

18

18

Joe Gibbs Racing

20

20

Joe Gibbs Racing

15

TBD

Michael Waltrip Racing

55

TBD

Michael Waltrip Racing

4

4

Stewart-Haas Racing

10

10

Stewart-Haas Racing

14

14

Stewart-Haas Racing

78

78

Furniture Row Racing

35

34

Front Row Motorsports

38

38

Front Row Motorsports

47

47

JTG Daugherty Racing

7

7

Tommy Baldwin Racing

13

13

Germain Racing

32

32

Go Fas Racing

23

23

BK Racing

83

83

BK Racing

62

62

Premium Motorsports

33

95

Circle Sport Racing

51

15

HScott Motorsport

[Happy29]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

NASCAR Announces Landmark New Ownership Structure



So, only 40 car fields now with 36 charter teams guaranteed spots. From what little I've gathered on the open-wheeled series, this seems to be more along the lines of how the IRL does it. The 19 (Carl Edwards) and 41 (Kurt Busch) currently aren't chartered in, but strangely MWR still has 2 charters (15, 55) despite closing their doors after last season so presumably the 19 and 41 teams could buy the charters from the 55 and 15 teams to be guaranteed spots.

Those spots have been sold to the 19 and the 41 as of this afternoon

[Redacted01]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

NASCAR Announces Landmark New Ownership Structure



So, only 40 car fields now with 36 charter teams guaranteed spots. From what little I've gathered on the open-wheeled series, this seems to be more along the lines of how the IRL does it. The 19 (Carl Edwards) and 41 (Kurt Busch) currently aren't chartered in, but strangely MWR still has 2 charters (15, 55) despite closing their doors after last season so presumably the 19 and 41 teams could buy the charters from the 55 and 15 teams to be guaranteed spots.

Not strange at all. The criteria was based on who ran every race the last 3 years. The 15 and 55 did just that. Sure, just a bit of a coincidence given the timing.

[BurghFan]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

Stewart-Haas Racing to switch to Ford in 2017

Ford is joining forces with Stewart-Haas Racing starting in the 2017 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season after the team signed a multiyear deal to switch manufacturers and engines (Roush Yates Engines).

The team currently consists of Tony Stewart, a three-time champion, 2014 champion Kevin Harvick, 2004 champion Kurt Busch and Danica Patrick and drives Chevrolets.

"I am proud of our association with Chevrolet as they helped build our organization into the team it is today," said SHR co-owner Stewart in a team statement. "This new partnership with Ford allows us to strengthen our position in the sport and ensure the long-term stability and success for everyone who is a part of Stewart-Haas Racing."

[ALG]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

SHR to Ford? Well, that was a move I never saw coming. I always thought Stewart was a diehard Chevy guy, but I guess he won't be racing them anymore so he probably doesn't care. It's going to be weird seeing Harvick in a Ford though.

I always thought Cole Custer was going to be a JRM driver until he was ready for cup, but guess he's going to be a Penske driver instead.

[BurghFan]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

Tony Stewart Will Return to Track at Richmond

Three-time NASCAR premier series champion Tony Stewart will return to competition this weekend at Richmond International Raceway, ending a season-opening run that saw the 44-year-old sidelined due to a back injury sustained in late January.

Stewart made the announcement Thursday via his Twitter account.

And, since I'm sure everyone will be wondering

Tony Stewart Granted Chase Waiver

Tony Stewart, who will return to the track this weekend at Richmond International Raceway after missing the first eight races of the season, has been granted a waiver making him eligible to qualify for the 2016 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup, according to NASCAR.

"NASCAR received the appropriate medical clearance documentation allowing Tony Stewart to resume normal racing activities," NASCAR Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Development Officer Steve O'Donnell. "We also have granted the request from Stewart-Haas Racing for a waiver for Tony to be eligible to qualify for the Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup. As he begins his final season, we wish Tony the best of luck."

And he promptly gets fined $35K

NASCAR has fined Stewart-Haas Racing driver and co-owner Tony Stewart $35,000 for violations of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Rule Book, the sanctioning body announced Thursday.

Stewart's fine falls under Section 12 of the rule book, specifically member conduct guidelines.

According to Section 12.8.1, actions that could result in a $10,000-$50,000 fine include disparaging the sport and/or NASCAR's leadership, or verbal abuse of a NASCAR Official, media members, fans, etc.

[Happy29]

re: Official NASCAR Series News Thread

Ryan Newman signs an extension wit RCR

http://www.foxsports.com/nascar/story/ryan-newman-announces-rcr-contract-extension-on-race-hub-101016

[jasontoddwhitt]

Source: Carl Edwards to retire tomorrow

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nascar/2017/01/10/carl-edwards-retires-nascar-joe-gibbs-racing/96388940/

Wow, this is very sudden and shocking!

Carl Edwards is expected to announce he will step away from NASCAR immediately in a news conference Wednesday at Joe Gibbs Racing, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. The person was not authorized to speak publicly.