NASCAR and team owners have had "discussions on ways that teams can have more long-term value," whether that is through "franchising or NASCAR offering a select number of licenses that guarantee starting spots remains to be determined," according to Bob Pockrass of ESPN.com. Asked Sunday about possible '16 franchise or license models, Michael Waltrip Racing co-Owner and Race Team Alliance Chair Rob Kauffman said, "What I can say is both NASCAR and the teams recognize that the teams building up some kind of long-term equity for participating in the sport, year in and year out and putting on the show, is a good thing." Pockrass noted from '05-12, NASCAR "tried to give teams at least some racing security by guaranteeing the top 35 in the owners standings each week a starting spot," but that value "was dependent on there being competition to make the 43-car field." Among the hurdles to implementing the system "would be determining how much tenure a team must have had in the sport and how much of a fee an owner would pay." Even with a "franchise or a license to race, teams would need sponsorship to remain a viable entity." But that "at least would give owners something to sell if they wanted to get out of the sport or possibly increase interest from outside investors" (ESPN.com, 6/29).
OPEN FOR DISCUSSION: The AP's Jenna Fryer wrote IndyCar on Saturday "staged a sensational" race that featured a series-record 80 lead changes as drivers "made moves that bordered on the absurd." Fans watching on TV "used social media to marvel at what they were watching." But the drivers were "less than pleased with the product." There is "no simple fix for IndyCar, which seemingly only draws eyeballs anymore during times of crisis." The series was "square in the spotlight a month ago after three cars went airborne during preparation for the Indianapolis 500." It is "no coincidence" that the race "drew a higher television rating than NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 for the first time in 10 years." The Indy 500 was an "intense and competitive race." Fryer wrote the "problem" going forward is that IndyCar "hasn't figured out how to sustain any momentum" (AP, 6/29).
