NASCAR HOFers Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham next year are planning to launch Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), a racing circuit that "has the potential to be the biggest disrupter to the auto racing business in decades," according to John Ourand in this week's SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL. SRX, which will feature "six short-track races starting next summer," also includes prominent agent Sandy Montag and Bruin Sports Capital Founder & CEO and former NASCAR COO George Pyne on its four-person BOD. The initiative has a multiyear TV deal in place with CBS, and the net "has committed to carry the Saturday night races in prime time next year." CBS Sports Chair Sean McManus said, "It's got a great television schedule, it's got a great track record of people working on it. It's got high-profile names, it's got really attractive live action that is unpredictable, it's got an opportunity to tell a lot of stories." Ourand notes there will be 12 drivers per race, meaning SRX expects to have its "pick of well-known crew chiefs and drivers, both active and retired." The series will "randomly pair teams, grouping an up-and-comer with veterans." The races are "designed to keep viewers interest throughout, with two 45-minute heats and no pit stops." SRX currently has a staff "of about 10 split between The Montag Group's offices in New York for business and media, and Charlotte for race operations" (SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL, 7/13 issue).
PUTTING A PLAN TOGETHER: The AP's Jenna Fryer notes the idea for SRX was "driven by Evernham, eager to see a series that featured cars that don't rely on aerodynamics and reward mechanical grip and driver skill." It is an "invigorating venture for both Evernham and Stewart, who have essentially been given a blank sheet of paper to create the type of racing they think will entice fans." Stewart will be the "main recruiter and plans to begin selling the series soon. He wants to lock in drivers before they commit to other things next summer, as well as work through conflicts that would prohibit their participation." Without a manufacturer currently on board, SRX "hopes to avoid branding loyalties that would eliminate a driver from racing in the series." Stewart "plans to be one of the participants and already has a wish list of drivers he'll pursue, and he'll likely offer up Eldora Speedway, his short track in Ohio, as one of the venues" (AP, 7/13).
