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Unsealed documents, a key component in the ongoing antitrust lawsuit 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports v NASCAR scheduled to commence on December 1st, have illuminated ambitious explorations by the Race Team Alliance (RTA) into independent racing ventures during 2022 and 2023. These proposals, aimed at leveraging intellectual property and potentially increasing negotiating leverage with NASCAR, included exhibition races featuring Cup Series drivers in a variety of unorthodox locations, ranging from the Sultanate of Oman to the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs.
The RTA, a collective representing NASCAR Cup Series team owners, reportedly considered a slate of events designed to operate outside the traditional NASCAR calendar. Among the proposed venues were Mexico City, New Orleans, Downtown Nashville, and, most strikingly, the iconic Churchill Downs racetrack, renowned for its Thoroughbred racing heritage. The RTA’s executive director, Jonathan Marshall, is quoted in the unearthed communications as stating, "The world is ready for Stockcar racing," underscoring a belief in the global appeal of the sport.
These explorations are understood to have occurred concurrently with charter extension negotiations between the teams and NASCAR. The RTA’s objective was twofold: to identify avenues for maximizing the value of their collective intellectual property and to secure a more favorable agreement with the sanctioning body. Marshall, who oversees the joint business interests of the Cup Series teams, engaged in detailed discussions with RTA founder Rob Kaufman, Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks, and RFK Racing president Steve Newmark regarding the feasibility and strategic implications of these independent races.
A significant portion of the unearthed correspondence highlights the conviction of Rob Kaufman, a veteran figure in NASCAR team ownership, that aggressive action was necessary. Kaufman expressed skepticism about NASCAR’s willingness to concede significant terms unless directly compelled. "If there are productive conversations happening with NASCAR, does pursuing this still make sense to the (Team Negotiating Committee)?" Marshall inquired in an email, seeking consensus.
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Kaufman’s response underscored a sense of urgency and a belief in the necessity of tangible action. "Guys, my 2cts…Are we serious or not? Justin (Marks) is 100% spot on. We think that merely ‘feigning’ a move will get Uncle Jim (France) to change the deal, we are kidding ourselves. I have spoken to 5 of the senior NASCAR team principals in the past week and they all say one thing — they not budge unless they feel they have to concede something material to save the TV deal. NASCAR believes the teams will fold," Kaufman wrote. He strongly advocated for the RTA to proceed with an exhibition race, asserting that it was "100% within the current charters" and represented a "vert strong brand building item, as well as it should make money. Lots of potential if done right. Don’t squander this opportunity." Kaufman concluded his pitch by questioning the RTA leadership’s commitment, asking, "are we playing to win, or just playing."
The logistical and conceptual frameworks for these proposed independent races were also detailed in the documents. Individuals involved in these discussions included Brett Frood, former president of Stewart-Haas Racing; Ray Evernham, former co-owner of the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX); and Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI Racing, in addition to Justin Marks in his capacity with Trackhouse Entertainment Group.
Justin Marks, a proponent of international expansion, suggested the utilization of Trans-Am Series TA2 cars for an event in Oman. His vision extended beyond a single exhibition, proposing to leave vehicle inventory in the Sultanate to foster local racing culture following the departure of Cup Series stars. The RTA also explored utilizing Late Model stock cars or a proprietary vehicle designed and manufactured by Ray Evernham. The TA2 car, described as a road-racing Super Late Model in its fundamental geometry, was a strong contender.
The concept of a proprietary car offered significant advantages, primarily the RTA retaining full ownership of the intellectual property. This would provide a foundation for future growth, replication in other regions, and a pre-established business model for support. Evernham estimated the cost of designing and building a prototype for such a proprietary car to be between $350,000 and $450,000, with subsequent mass production anticipated. He outlined a plan to establish a racing series for Omani participants within 12 to 16 months, mirroring his successful approach with the SRX series. This would involve contracting a chassis builder, assembling and maintaining cars with a dedicated team, and providing training to local personnel. Evernham emphasized the importance of delivering a "quality product that would look and sound like a professional race car."
Potential racing venues in Oman were identified as either street circuits in the capital city of Muscat, drawing parallels to Monaco, or within the Sultan Qaboos Stadium, an approach reminiscent of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum street race that hosted the NASCAR Clash. Steve Lauletta expressed doubt about NASCAR sharing proprietary information regarding the Coliseum build-out, stating, "You are 100% correct in that we will get zero information from NASCAR about the Clash. I think we need to find other options with my first thought being the people thar run Race of Champions or other temporary circuits."
Whether intended as a strategic leverage play or a genuine initiative to establish an international series, the RTA demonstrated a serious commitment to the detailed planning of such ventures. Ray Evernham took charge of conceptualizing car design, track layouts, and scoring systems. His proposal for the RTA or a designated entity to retain all IP rights would enable revenue generation through the sale of replacement parts and vehicles, with the potential for a franchise system for broader expansion. Evernham underscored the need for a site visit and cultural assessment in Oman to refine the proposal, characterizing it as a "thought starter."
Justin Marks indicated that he had engaged in discussions with the Omani Minister of Sport & Youth on December 12th, exploring financial projections for an exhibition race featuring Cup Series talent. The logistics of transporting Cup Series machinery were also a consideration. "The cars are a different story. If we can put an estimate on the prep of a Gen-6 car will cost us, I can have someone work on a basic cost estimate for getting 20 of them with support infrastructure on a cargo plane to the Middle East," one communication detailed, referencing the potential for 20 Gen-6 cars to form the basis of a Middle Eastern Stock Car Series.
The RTA’s explorations encompassed four distinct geographic concepts for independent exhibition series, leveraging the driver talent contracted by their respective ownership groups. Justin Marks led discussions concerning Nashville and Oman, which Marshall identified as the "two most promising at this point." Additionally, the Wasserman Group was reportedly involved in exploring opportunities in Mexico City and at Churchill Downs.
NASCAR was reportedly aware of the RTA’s independent racing initiatives. In a related development, the sanctioning body withdrew editorial support for the prestigious Snowball Derby in December 2022. This significant grassroots Super Late Model race was subsequently broadcast on Racing America, the RTA’s proprietary media platform. The unsealed documents, originating from the antitrust lawsuit, continue to reveal the complex strategic maneuvering and ambitious ambitions within the NASCAR landscape.
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