NASCAR CEO Abandons Cup Race Car Deal Amid Team Backlash

NASCAR CEO and co-owner Jim France was close to funding a Cup Series car for the July race at Sonoma through Spire Motorsports, with driver Jack Aitken, who races for France's Action Express Racing in IMSA, slated to pilot the entry. The deal fell apart amid significant backlash within the NASCAR garage, where many expressed discomfort over a potential conflict of interest, fearing France's involvement could signal the start of his own team competing against others in the series. Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson clarified that France would have paid market rates and the car would have been operated independently by Spire, not directly by France's team. Despite these assurances, concerns persisted, as France also has a history of expressing interest in team ownership within NASCAR, raising worries about favoritism and fairness. The controversy echoes prior tensions in NASCAR regarding transparency and competitive balance, particularly given France's existing partnerships with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports. Although the Sonoma entry was scrapped, sources suggest France might still pursue entering a Cup race later in the season.