NASCAR & teams closer on charter system

NASCAR and Sprint Cup teams are moving closer to an agreement that would guarantee teams starting spots for all races this season, according to a report by the Sports Business Journal.

"Like most things, the devil's in the details," Rob Kauffman, chairman of the Race Team Alliance, told Sports Business Journal.

"It's a multiyear agreement, so it's important that details are right." The report states the agreement would be for five years – matching the length of recent agreements NASCAR did with tracks that play host to Sprint Cup, Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series races.

By being granted a guaranteed spot in every race via a "charter," teams would be able to assure sponsors they would not miss an event.

A charter system also would allow teams to better forecast race earnings and provide greater value should an owner seek to sell their stake. The report states that original plans called for 36 charters for a 40-car field, which would be down from the 43-car field run this past season.