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Unsealed court documents have revealed that the Race Team Alliance (RTA), representing NASCAR Cup Series teams, actively explored the possibility of organizing independent exhibition races in the Middle East and at iconic U.S. venues like Churchill Downs during 2022 and 2023. This initiative coincided with crucial charter extension negotiations between the teams and NASCAR, suggesting a strategic effort to enhance the teams’ leverage and explore new revenue streams independent of the sanctioning body.
The scope of these explorations was ambitious, envisioning events in locations as diverse as the Sultanate of Oman, Mexico City, New Orleans, Downtown Nashville, and the hallowed grounds of Churchill Downs, the renowned horse racing venue. The underlying sentiment, articulated by RTA executive director Jonathan Marshall, was a belief in the global appeal of stock car racing: "The world is ready for Stockcar racing."
These explorations must be understood within the broader context of the teams’ negotiations with NASCAR regarding the charter system, which dictates team participation and revenue sharing. By simultaneously investigating independent racing ventures, the RTA aimed to maximize the value of their intellectual property and strengthen their bargaining position for a more favorable deal with NASCAR.
Marshall, who leads the joint business interests of the Cup Series teams, communicated these ideas through emails with key figures involved in the RTA’s strategic planning. These included RTA founder Rob Kaufman, Trackhouse co-owner Justin Marks, and RFK Racing president Steve Newmark. Marshall’s communication posed a critical question regarding the strategic benefit: "What is everyone’s take on whether we gain leverage by doing this still? If there are productive conversations happening with NASCAR, does pursuing this still make sense to the (Team Negotiating Committee)?"
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Rob Kaufman was a particularly vocal proponent of pursuing these independent racing initiatives. He expressed a clear conviction that mere posturing would not yield concessions from NASCAR, stating, "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 further elaborated on the potential benefits, arguing for the strategic importance of an independent exhibition race: "Regardless of the position of NASCAR, I strongly believe the Teams SHOULD do an exhibition race. We negotiated hard to get this right, and it is 100% within the current charters. … This is doable. Even if things were going right on the Daytona discussions, it’s a vert strong brand building item, as well as it should make money. Lots of potential if done right. Don’t squander this opportunity." His impassioned plea concluded with a stark question to the RTA’s leadership: "are we playing to win, or just playing?"
The envisioned independent series involved a diverse group of racing executives. Among those engaged in these discussions were former Stewart-Haas Racing president Brett Frood, former SRX co-owner Ray Evernham, and 23XI Racing president Steve Lauletta, in addition to Justin Marks representing Trackhouse Entertainment Group.
Marks proposed an innovative approach for the Oman venture, suggesting the use of Trans-Am Series TA2 cars. The concept included leaving the car inventory in the Sultanate after the event to foster a local racing culture, thereby extending the impact beyond a single exhibition race.
The RTA also considered utilizing Late Model stock cars or a proprietary car specifically designed and manufactured by Ray Evernham’s team. The TA2 car, described as a road-racing Super Late Model in its fundamental chassis design, offered a potential platform. The development of a proprietary car held the advantage of the RTA retaining all intellectual property (IP). This ownership would facilitate future growth, replication in other regions, and the establishment of a robust 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 envisioned. He outlined a comprehensive plan for establishing a racing series in Oman within a 12 to 16-month timeframe, mirroring his successful SRX series model. This would involve contracting with a chassis builder for custom specifications, with Evernham’s team handling assembly, maintenance, and providing training to local Omani personnel. The emphasis was on delivering a high-quality product that would present as a professional racing machine.
The proposed venues in Muscat, Oman, included street circuits, drawing parallels to Monaco, or the Sultan Qaboos Stadium, a concept similar to the temporary circuit used for the NASCAR Chicago Street Race and the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum event for the Busch Light Clash.
However, the feasibility of replicating NASCAR’s track-building expertise was questioned. Steve Lauletta, in communication with Jonathan Marshall, expressed skepticism about obtaining proprietary information from NASCAR regarding temporary circuit construction: "Do we think we can get any kind of information around the build-out/tear-down of the Coliseum? I assume that’s IP that NASCAR is going to hold close to the chest." Lauletta acknowledged the potential for creating a new league for a "winter series" in the Middle East, noting the interest from Oman, Dubai, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
Lauletta further commented on the unlikelihood of receiving assistance from NASCAR: "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."
Regardless of whether the primary motivation was a leverage play in negotiations or a genuine aspiration to create an international racing series, the RTA’s exploration was detailed. Evernham demonstrated a serious commitment to the project, developing plans for car design, track layouts, and a points system.
The strategic objective for the RTA or a designated ownership company would be to retain all rights to the IP. This would enable the organization to profit from the continuous sale of replacement parts and vehicles to Omani participants, potentially expanding into a franchise model. Evernham emphasized the need for a site visit to Oman to conduct a thorough survey of the local culture and logistical requirements to refine the proposal.
Justin Marks reported engaging with the Omani Minister of Sport & Youth on December 12, discussing financial projections for an exhibition race featuring Cup Series stars. The logistics of transporting race cars also presented a consideration. Marks inquired about the cost of preparing 20 Gen-6 cars for transport to the Middle East, including the necessary support infrastructure. The idea of a Middle Eastern Stock Car Series featuring 20 Gen-6 cars was on the table.
The RTA had conceptualized four distinct geographic regions for an independent exhibition series utilizing drivers employed by their respective teams. Marks was instrumental in leading discussions for potential events in Nashville and Oman, which Marshall identified as the "two most promising at this point." Additionally, Wasserman Group was reportedly exploring opportunities in Mexico City and at Churchill Downs.
NASCAR was aware of the RTA’s independent racing explorations. This awareness reportedly led to NASCAR withdrawing editorial support for the prestigious Snowball Derby in December 2022. The Snowball Derby, a premier grassroots Super Late Model race, subsequently aired on Racing America, the RTA’s own media platform. This action by NASCAR underscored the tension and strategic maneuvering occurring between the sanctioning body and the race teams during this period of intense negotiation.
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