Have you ever wondered how NASCAR teams are chosen to compete in the Cup Series each week—or why there always seem to be the same numbers and big names in the starting lineup? That’s the result of the NASCAR charter system. If this sounds confusing, you’re not alone—lots of fans, even some longtime ones, still ask, “What exactly is a charter, and why do teams care about it so much?” This breakdown explains what the system is, why it was created, and how it impacts racing, business, and even the salaries of drivers in the modern NASCAR landscape.
What Is the NASCAR Charter System?
The NASCAR charter system is a business and participation agreement for the Cup Series that gives select teams a “charter”—a guaranteed spot in every race. This model took effect in 2016 and was meant to give race teams more stability and make team ownership in NASCAR closer to owning a franchise in other sports. It’s like having a club membership that guarantees you access and perks, even if your team isn’t always the fastest.
According to the official NASCAR site, Steve Phelps, Commissioner of NASCAR said, “The Charter agreement is delivering stability and long-term value to existing team owners while providing a clear path for ownership in the NASCAR Cup Series … A healthy ownership structure ensures strong, competitive racing for our fans, which is a goal the industry collectively shares.”
Charter Core Concepts
A charter is an ownership slot allowing teams automatic entry into every Cup Series points race, no “qualifying in on speed” required.
Teams without a charter (“open teams”) must qualify for a limited number of non-guaranteed field spots.
NASCAR issued 36 charters when the system began, and now only 40 cars start each Cup race, so most “open” teams face extreme competition for just four spots.
Why Was the Charter System Created?
NASCAR’s Next-Gen Car gives more value to Charters (Ap/Mike McCarn)
For decades, NASCAR didn’t have a franchise/guaranteed entry system—unlike other major sports leagues.
In the old days, a team could fade from existence overnight, and owners had nothing to sell but outdated parts.
The charter system built real equity for team owners: A charter can be bought, sold, and leased. This gives team owners something valuable that holds business weight—especially when it comes time to retire, merge, or cash out.
Major Goals
Stability: Teams know they’re in every race. That means more predictable income from TV, ticket sales, and sponsorships.
Business Value: Charters can be traded, like NBA or NFL franchises. This “asset” mentality makes sponsoring or buying a team way more attractive to investors.
According to Wikipedia, Rick Hendrick via the Race Team Alliance context, said that the charter system was born to “create some sort of permanent value for the teams,” responding to a time when defunct teams had nothing of real business value to sell.
How Much Does a NASCAR Charter Cost?
NASCAR charter values have soared since 2016.
Early charter prices (2016-2017): Around $1–$3.5 million.
Recent sales (2021-2023): Some charters sold for $10 million, $13.5 million, and most recently, a reported $40 million!
Market value depends on team performance, name recognition, and business trends.
Like a house or rare sports card, a charter is only worth what someone will pay—but that number has only gone up.
If you want to know the latest ups and downs, check out our deep-dive on NASCAR Charter Cost.
How Are Charters Bought, Sold, or Leased?
Teams can sell their charter outright—providing a major cash windfall.
They can lease a charter for just one year out of every five, allowing new teams to “try before they buy.”
Leasing can keep a charter producing value even if a team is between sponsors or rebuilding.
NASCAR approves all transactions to maintain fairness and competitive balance.
How Many Charters Are There, and Who Gets Them?
There are currently 36 charters in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Teams can own or acquire up to four charters each (recent rule changes may reduce the maximum to three for new entrants), preventing “super teams” from locking out the grid.
NASCAR “owns” the right to revoke a charter from teams that underperform (bottom three in points for three straight years).
Charters Are Selective
Original charters were awarded based on past participation and team history.
Losing a charter (through underperformance or sale) can end a team’s regular Cup presence.
How Do Charters Impact Race Entry and Prize Money?
NASCAR crew
Team Type
Race Entry Guarantee
Purse Share Priority
Notes
Charter Holder
Yes (all races)
Higher base/performance pay
Can buy, sell, or lease charter
Open Team
No (must qualify)
Lower/variable pay
Compete for 4 “open” field spots
Charters guarantee entry—and payout—for every Cup Series race, which means a reliable stream and a bigger slice of the TV money and purse pool.
Open teams get less money and must hustle for each entry. As a result, they find it much harder to attract big backers.
How Does the Charter System Change the Business of Racing?
Charters have made NASCAR racing more like running a business, less like a high-speed gamble.
Key Business Shifts
Investors can now analyze team worth and future income with more accuracy.
Sponsoring a team with a charter is more appealing—companies know their logo will be seen all season.
Teams are more likely to innovate and invest (facilities, pay for good crew members, etc.) knowing their grid spot is secure.
Want the nitty-gritty math, revenue sharing, and legal side? Dive into our full Business of Racing guide.
Do Charters Affect NASCAR Drivers Salary?
Absolutely. Driver pay—especially for top names—tracks closely with a team’s financial health.
Reliable income from a charter means owners can afford longer, higher-salary contracts with star drivers.
When revenues shrank or teams folded in the old system, even famous drivers faced pay cuts or unemployment overnight.
Now, with team value tied to charters, you’re much more likely to see consistent, healthy NASCAR drivers earningsnumbers at both the top and middle ranks.
NASCAR Charter Key Rules vs. Past System
Feature
Charter System (now)
Pre-2016 System
Race Guarantee
36 cars, guaranteed every race
No guarantees, qualify each race
Asset Value
Charter holds real value
No franchise or resale value
Revenue Share
Larger fixed sum for charters
Payout only for successful teams
Field size
40 cars max; 36 charters
Field size could vary, more than 43 at times
Sponsor Attraction
Easier with guaranteed TV time
Hard sell without certainty
Team Planning
Multi-year business planning
Short-term focus, big risk
What’s an “Open” Team? Can They Ever Win?
Yes, open teams (those without a charter) can still qualify and even win a race. But it’s rare—the hurdles are much higher.
“Open” cars compete for four spots in each 40-car field, racing against each other and sometimes outqualifying charter teams.
Any earnings or media coverage are crucial to survival. But without the built-in security of the charter, it’s an uphill battle.
What Happens If a Team Fails to Perform?
NASCAR wants charters in the hands of active, competitive teams:
Any team whose car is bottom-three in owner points for three straight years can lose its charter.
NASCAR can revoke and redistribute charters to more deserving teams, keeping the lineup strong and the racing competitive.
If a team chooses to sell or disband, NASCAR must approve the new buyer before the charter changes hands.
How Does a Charter Impact a Team’s Primary Sponsor?
A solid charter is a major selling point to a primary sponsor.
Sponsorship contracts and advertising values are higher because teams can promise guaranteed TV time across every race.
Without a charter, attracting (or keeping) a headline sponsor is much harder. Many iconic deals—think Lowe’s with Jimmie Johnson—were possible because sponsors trusted their logo would race every week.
The broader market has seen a Fall of Iconic NASCAR Sponsors as costs rise and companies demand more certainty. The charter model responds directly to this by boosting consistency and exposure for partners.
Common Myths About the Charter System
Myth: “Charters killed competition.” Reality: Competition is still fierce—teams switch drivers, invest in technology, and can lose charters if they let performance slip.
Myth: “Anyone with money can buy in.” Reality: All sales must get NASCAR’s approval for business stability and good standing.
Myth: “Fans see the same cars, nothing changes.” Reality: The system lets small teams grow and inspires creative approaches to staying in the game.
The Future: Will There Always Be Charters?
As media rights, team budgets, and the world of NASCAR change, so does the charter system. There are ongoing debates about:
Whether charters should be permanent or time-limited
How to balance team equity with competition
If more charters should be issued (for expansion, new manufacturers, or mergers)
How teams and NASCAR can work together, especially in tough economy years or with shifts in sponsor culture
As charter prices rise, some critics worry about entry barriers for new owners—a big piece of the ongoing business negotiations, especially as teams want a bigger slice of new TV deals.
How Does the Charter System Compare to Other Sports?
The NASCAR charter system is most similar to major league franchising models.
NHL, NBA, NFL: Teams own a spot, can sell the franchise, and share in league revenue.
NASCAR: Teams own a charter (not the car number itself) and share in TV/purse money, but race at the same events for prize money.
Unlike the “stick-and-ball” leagues, in NASCAR, independent and open teams still have a (much harder) path to race—making it truly unique.
Why Should Fans Care?
Understanding charters explains why your favorite teams are almost always racing and why sponsors appear or disappear.
It shows how team mergers, sales, and surprise new entrants happen.
If you love the inside game—contracts, salaries, and business drama—the charter system is where the sport’s big moves start.
Quick FAQs on NASCAR Charter Basics
Question
Answer
How many charters exist?
36 charters, all in the Cup Series
How do you get a charter?
NASCAR awarded to teams with longevity and history in 2016, now bought, sold, or leased by existing teams
How much is a charter?
Ranges from $1-$40 million depending on year, team, and market
Owner max per team?
Four charters, moving to three for new ownership groups in 2025
Do charters guarantee Cup entry?
Yes—36 charters, 36 cars locked in, 4 open spots per event
Can NASCAR revoke a charter?
Yes, if a team underperforms for 3 seasons
Why does it matter for fans?
Creates stable lineups for watching, helps teams attract sponsors and drivers
There are a few deviations from recent years, but the local race calendar looks to be another strong one at Sebring International Raceway. As usual, much of the early action at the track will come in the form of preseason testing, some of it private team testing and other test days are sanctioned by the corresponding series.
The SSCA has a general test slated for Jan. 8, while the Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli will take over the track Jan. 21-22. IndyCar make its typical stop at Sebring on Feb. 9-10, where the cars test over the raceway’s short course.
The first event for fans will be the quick turnaround for the last major event held at Sebring, Historic Sportscar Racing’s Sebring Pistons & Props Presented by Alan Jay Automotive Network on Feb. 13-15.
The event will again feature a collection of top-notch vintage airplanes and cars for three days of action on and off the track. Tickets will go on sale shortly.
The season-opener for Sebring the past few years, the Trans Am Series, will now be the second event at SIR this season, running Feb. 26-March 1. The Trans Am races will again be run with the Sportscar Vintage Racing Association.
Trans Am will introduce the TA Sprint Championship at Sebring, a new series of five races that are 50 miles or 35 minutes. The series is designed to make it easier for club racers to make the move into a professional series.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to announce the TA Sprint Championship”, said Trans Am President Andy Lally. “With shorter races and a limited schedule, we believe that TA Sprint will be an exciting opportunity for non-pro club racers who want to experience a professional-level event with live streaming. With TA Sprint holding its own races, it’s a great first step for those who may want to eventually step up into our TA2 Pro/Am Challenge.”
March 18-21 brings the marquee event of the year, the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, one of the top sportscar races in the world. There will be plenty of other racing action, with the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Alan Jay Automotive Network 120, along with the Mustang Challenge, Lamborghini Super Trofeo and Porsche Carrera Cup North America races.
May 8-10 sees the return of SRO Motorsports and GT World Challenge America powered by AWS. The SRO series provide excellent GT racing and the races feature a handful of drivers who will be competing in the 12 Hours of Sebring.
There’s a bit of a lapse before the final big event of the season, the HSR Classic 12 Hour and Sebring Historics, which will feature some of the finest vintage sportscars still racing. The event is slated for Dec. 3-6. The Classic 12 Hour isn’t a 12-hour race, but rather 12 races for four different run groups, with the winner decided by cumulative time.
There will also be two appearances from the ChampCar Endurance Series, World Racing League and a number of club races, including the National Auto Sport Association Championships in September.
Chevrolet revealed its revised NASCAR Cup Series bodywork in November, shortly after Kyle Larson secured his second Cup championship at Phoenix. The updated body draws inspiration from a performance accessories package developed for the street-going version of the car. On track, the Camaro race body will now carry a taller hood dome, a reshaped front grille, and reworked rocker panels.
Chevrolet explained that those elements mirror the Carbon Performance Package Accessories Kit, which features carbon-fiber components on the hood and rockers, along with a new grille and front splitter. The changes have already sparked renewed belief inside the walls of Hendrick Motorsports.
According to Jeff Gordon, the updated Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 could prove transformative when it makes its competitive debut at the season-opening Cook Out Clash exhibition at Bowman Gray Stadium. The new body underwent on-track testing in November, and the early indicators seemingly left the organization encouraged.
“When you’ve done what we’ve done with our car and our teams and one of those things is winning a lot of races and winning a championship, I get really excited when I think we’ve got something that’s an upgrade. I don’t want to get too caught up in that because sometimes, it takes time to fine-tune that change.”
Gordon acknowledged that HMS had been trailing some rivals in aerodynamic efficiency, particularly when comparing HMS Chevrolet entries to competitors. With the revised body now in hand, he believes the gap has closed. “I feel like we’ve gotten ourselves on a level playing field with them, so I’m very excited about that,”he said.
Though the visual changes appear restrained, their purpose runs deeper because the engineers designed the refinements to enhance stability and trim drag, a combination that could sharpen performance as Chevrolet aims to extend its run of five consecutive manufacturer championships. Improved airflow management should translate into greater downforce and a steadier balance at speed.
Chevrolet first introduced the Camaro ZL1 to NASCAR competition in 2018, replacing the outgoing Chevy SS. The body evolved into the Camaro ZL1 1LE in 2020, before transitioning to a Next Gen version when the platform arrived in the Cup Series two years later. On the consumer side, Chevrolet closed the chapter on the passenger-car Camaro after the 2024 model year.
Dale Jr. is skeptical about the new Chevy model
While many teams welcome the update, Dale Earnhardt Jr. finds himself split between anticipation and caution. The JR Motorsports co-owner, who plans another Daytona 500 entry in 2026, admitted the announcement unsettled him. His unease does not stem from budget or preparation but from the uncertainty that accompanies a brand-new body.
From a financial perspective, Junior views the timing as favorable, offering a chance to compete without bleeding resources. Still, the unknowns are haunting. He noted that when manufacturers roll out a new body, early returns at Daytona rarely come easily. Teams must first learn how that shape behaves in race trim, and without inside knowledge of the finer details, he said he will have to take the results as they come.
History also supports his concern. Fresh body designs often force teams into an early-season learning curve, deciphering aerodynamic traits under pressure. The task extends beyond power or mechanical grip, demanding balance where airflow and stability intersect. Manufacturers also tend to prioritize intermediate tracks when refining new bodies, a reality that explains Junior’s apprehension heading into superspeedway competition.
On January 1, 2026, Roger Penske, the legendary founder of one of motorsport’s most enduring empires, released a deeply personal open letter to fans, marking the start of a year-long celebration of Team Penske’s 60th anniversary.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
The letter, penned in Penske’s characteristic straightforward and grateful tone, reflects on humble beginnings, unwavering fan support, and a commitment to future success—reminding everyone why “The Captain” has built a legacy that spans generations.
What began in 1966 as a modest operation in a small shop just outside Philadelphia has evolved into a powerhouse with over 650 major race wins, more than 700 pole positions, and 48 championships across IndyCar, NASCAR, IMSA, and beyond. Penske vividly recalls those early days: victories in the team’s first two outings—the 24 Hours of Daytona and 12 Hours of Sebring—set the stage for decades of dominance, all grounded in core values of integrity, respect, passion, hard work, and an unrelenting will to win.
Yet, amid recounting milestones like 20 Indianapolis 500 triumphs, five NASCAR Cup Series titles, three Daytona 500 wins, and recent back-to-back GTP championships with Porsche Penske Motorsport, Penske reserves his warmest words for the fans. “Your loyalty is unmatched, and your dedication is unparalleled,” he writes, calling supporters the “lifeblood” of the sport whose passion fuels the team through highs and lows.
He also emphasizes the human element—”our human capital”—crediting countless drivers, crew members, partners, and fans for the organization’s longevity. A poignant nod to his father introduces the guiding mantra: “Effort Equals Results,” a principle Penske vows will drive the team forward as they honor the past without resting on it.
The 2026 season promises to be unforgettable, with celebrations including retro paint schemes across entries in multiple series, a refreshed 60th anniversary logo on cars, uniforms, and merchandise, an elevated Team Penske Hall of Fame program, and a special Fan Day offering behind-the-scenes access and driver meet-and-greets.
Highlights include dedicated exhibits showcasing historic cars, trophies, and rare artifacts at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, and the Penske Racing Museum in Scottsdale.
Iconic victories like these will be relived throughout the year.
As Penske signs off with sincere thanks, he affirms: “We know the best is still to come.” For a team that has defined excellence in American motorsport for six decades, 2026 isn’t just a milestone—it’s a launchpad for the next chapter. Fans are invited to join the journey using #Penske60.
CONCORD, NC, UNITED STATES, January 2, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Wheelhouse Motorsports today announced a new strategic partnership with Robert Noaker Racing (RNR), uniting two leading organizations known for their development of competitive Mustang racing programs. The collaboration brings together RNR’s championship-winning expertise with Wheelhouse’s operational strength, deep technical resources, and nationally recognized driver development capabilities.
Robert Noaker Racing enters the partnership following back-to-back Team and Driver Championships in 2024 and 2025, including a flawless 2025 Mustang Challenge season in which the Noaker-prepared car led every lap of every race. Wheelhouse Motorsports will integrate this proven technical knowledge with its own established infrastructure, including its GT4 Mustang program competing in the World Racing League (WRL).
Operations will be based at the Wheelhouse Motorsports facility located on the campus of Charlotte Motor Speedway. The Wheelhouse team, including the manager, engineering staff, and technical crew, brings over 100 years of combined motorsports experience to the program. At the track, competitors will also recognize familiar faces, as the RNR crew, led by Bob Noaker, will collaborate with Wheelhouse personnel to support all Mustang Challenge efforts.
“As we continue to expand Wheelhouse Motorsports, this partnership represents a significant step forward,” said Dan McKeever, owner of Wheelhouse Motorsports. “Robert Noaker Racing has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in the Mustang Dark Horse R platform, and by combining that expertise with our operational systems and our long-standing commitment to driver development, we are well-positioned to deliver a next-level experience for our customers and competitors.”
The alliance leverages Wheelhouse’s roots in operating the Ford Performance Racing School, the nation’s premier performance driving school since 2006. The organization operates owner-experience programs for Ford and offers 1-day, 2-day, and Advanced high-performance driving courses, giving clients access to top-tier coaching and continuous development. Integrating this expertise with RNR’s race-winning preparation provides a comprehensive solution for drivers seeking a pathway into professional competition.
“This partnership allows both of our organizations to do what we do best,” said Robert Noaker, owner of Robert Noaker Racing. “Wheelhouse brings unmatched operational depth, driver training, and a world-class facility. When we combine that with the experience our team has developed running and winning with the Dark Horse R, we create a program built to elevate any driver who wants to compete at a higher level.”
Through this partnership, drivers have the following opportunities:
– Lease a Mustang Dark Horse R for the entire 2026 Mustang Challenge season.
– Contract Wheelhouse/RNR to maintain and operate their own cars.
– Compete with Wheelhouse Motorsports in the WRL series, piloting a GTO-class Mustang GT4.
Wheelhouse Motorsports and Robert Noaker Racing look forward to delivering a comprehensive, competitive, and professionally supported environment for drivers seeking championship-caliber performance in 2026 and beyond.
Bill Johnson Wheelhouse +1 910-658-1447 email us here
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In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where sponsorships can make or break a team’s fortunes, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing (RFK) finds itself navigating uncertain terrain at the dawn of 2026. The team, co-owned by six-time Cup Series winner Brad Keselowski, had long relied on the steady backing of Castrol, the iconic motor oil brand that powered their engines and adorned their cars since 2019. But as the new year unfolded, whispers of doubt swirled around their partnership, triggered by a massive ownership shakeup at Castrol’s parent company, BP.
–by Mark Cipolloni–
It all started on Christmas Eve 2025, when BP announced it was offloading a 65% majority stake in Castrol to Stonepeak, a New York-based investment firm, in a deal valued at around $6 billion—pushing Castrol’s total enterprise value to a staggering $10.1 billion. BP, grappling with a hefty $26.1 billion in net debt, saw the move as a lifeline, part of a broader $20 billion divestment strategy to slim down and strengthen its balance sheet.
Carol Howle, BP’s interim CEO, hailed the transaction: “We concluded a thorough strategic review of Castrol, which generated extensive interest and resulted in the sale of a majority interest to Stonepeak.” While BP retained a 35% minority share, control would shift to Stonepeak once the deal closed in about a year, transforming Castrol into a joint venture.
For RFK Racing, the news hit like a sudden caution flag. Castrol had been more than just a sponsor; it was a cornerstone of the team’s three-car operation—the No. 6 Ford driven by Keselowski, the No. 17 helmed by Chris Buescher, and the No. 60 piloted by newcomer Ryan Preece.
Brad Keselowski livery. Photo Supplied
Over six seasons, the partnership had fueled six Cup Series victories, including Keselowski’s triumphant throwback scheme win at Darlington in 2024, and supported consistent playoff runs. Andreas Osbar, CEO of Castrol Americas, reflected on the collaboration’s success: “RFK has been at the forefront of innovation, testing and winning races with our Castrol MoreCircular engine oils since 2022. Putting our products to the test in extreme racing conditions has been critical.”
Yet, the ownership pivot cast a shadow over the future. The current agreement locked in Castrol’s support through the 2026 season, providing RFK with a buffer to revamp and chase victories after a winless 2025 campaign that left them hungry for redemption. But come 2027, when Stonepeak fully assumes the reins, the commitments would expire, forcing RFK to negotiate anew with the investment firm’s leadership.
Insiders noted that without strong on-track results—like a long-elusive Daytona 500 win for the recovering Keselowski, who vowed not to miss the iconic race despite a recent injury—the new owners might balk at renewing, potentially seeking fresher alliances elsewhere.
RFK president Steve Newmark had previously underscored Castrol’s value: “For years now, Castrol has been an integral part of our success both on and off the track. From product superiority to collaborations around sustainability… Castrol has ensured we operate at peak performance.”
As the team geared up for the 2026 opener, bolstered by other sponsors like Kroger and Fastenal, the uncertainty loomed like storm clouds over Daytona. Would Stonepeak see the same synergy that BP had nurtured, or would RFK need to scout new partners to keep their engines roaring? In NASCAR’s relentless pursuit of speed and stability, only time—and perhaps a few checkered flags—would tell.
RFK Racing faces a critical juncture as it navigates potential changes in its long-standing sponsorship with Castrol, following BP’s major ownership shakeup of the oil brand. The partnership, crucial for team operations since 2019, is now under threat as Castrol transitions to new ownership with Stonepeak Investments. While RFK is secure through the 2026 season, outlooks for future agreements remain uncertain, contingent on performance and new leadership priorities.
By the Numbers
Castrol’s parent company BP sold a 65% stake for approximately $6 billion.
RFK Racing secured six Cup Series victories during its partnership with Castrol, including one in 2024.
Yes, But
Despite Castrol’s historical support, RFK’s future negotiations could be challenged without strong performances on the track. The new ownership may seek different sponsorships if the team’s results do not align with their business strategy.
State of Play
The partnership with Castrol is secured through the 2026 season, but expiration looms in 2027.
RFK has other sponsors like Kroger and Fastenal, providing some financial stability amidst uncertainties.
What’s Next
As RFK races into the 2026 season, their success or failure in upcoming events could critically influence negotiations with Stonepeak. A strong showing could retain Castrol, while a lackluster performance might force the team to seek alternative partnerships.
Bottom Line
RFK Racing must capitalize on the 2026 season to establish a robust case for continued support from Castrol’s new owners and ensure stability in sponsorships to remain competitive in NASCAR.
