NASCAR owner was near deal to fund car in Cup Series race before garage backlashNASCAR CEO Jim France Abandons Cup Series Car Funding Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns…read more…

NASCAR owner was near deal to fund car in Cup Series race before garage backlashNASCAR CEO Jim France Abandons Cup Series Car Funding Amid Conflict of Interest Concerns…read more…

NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France recently withdrew from a plan to financially support a car in the upcoming Cup Series race at Sonoma Raceway, following significant backlash from within the NASCAR community.

The proposed entry was to be operated by Spire Motorsports, with British driver Jack Aitken—who competes for France’s Action Express Racing team in the IMSA series—behind the wheel. Despite assurances that France would not receive preferential treatment and would pay standard rates, the plan raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest, given France’s dual role as NASCAR’s top executive and a prospective team financier.

Spire co-owner Jeff Dickerson emphasized that the entry would have been managed entirely by Spire personnel, stating, “I didn’t really even think it was that big of a deal. I didn’t even think it was that deep.”

However, the initiative sparked discomfort among several NASCAR teams and officials, who were uneasy about the optics of the sport’s CEO funding a competing car. Concerns were amplified by recent controversies in other racing series, notably in IndyCar, where Roger Penske’s ownership of both the series and a top team has led to scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest.

The timing of France’s proposed involvement also coincided with an ongoing antitrust lawsuit filed against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The teams allege that NASCAR’s charter system enforces monopolistic practices and includes unfair contractual clauses. While sources close to France assert that his decision to fund the car was driven by a passion for the sport and a desire to showcase cross-series talent, the overlapping legal challenges contributed to the perception of a conflict.

In light of the widespread criticism and potential implications for NASCAR’s integrity, France ultimately decided to abandon the funding plan. The situation underscores the delicate balance between leadership roles and competitive involvement in professional sports, highlighting the importance of maintaining clear boundaries to preserve fairness and public trust.