In a groundbreaking move poised to reshape the landscape of sprint car racing, High Limit Racing, co-founded by NASCAR champion Kyle Larson and five-time World of Outlaws champion Brad Sweet, has unveiled an innovative franchise system set to commence in 2026.
High Limit Racing, the sprint car series co-owned by Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet, are formally unveiling their version of a charter system during a news conference in Las Vegas right now. Except theirs are "franchises" instead of "charters." They're permanent. Starts in 2026.
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) March 13, 2025
This announcement, made during a press conference at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, introduces a permanent franchise model aimed at providing sustainability and long-term value for team owners.
Key Highlights of the Franchise System:
- Financial Commitment: High Limit Racing plans to distribute up to $18 million over the next four years. The annual payouts are structured as follows:
- 2026: Up to $3.97 million
- 2027: Up to $4.32 million
- 2028: Up to $4.62 million
- 2029: Up to $5.03 million
- Franchise Allocation: The inaugural five franchises have been awarded to the top finishers of the 2024 season:
- Kasey Kahne Racing (No. 49)
- Clauson-Marshall Racing (No. 7BC)
- Rico Abreu Racing (No. 24)
- Roth Motorsports (No. 83)
- Murray-Marks Motorsports (No. 19)
- Future Franchises: An additional five franchises will be awarded at the conclusion of the 2025 season. These will be based on the average point finishes from the 2024 and 2025 seasons among teams that did not secure a franchise in 2024.
- Franchise Permanence: Unlike traditional charter systems, these franchises are permanent assets, granting team owners the ability to sell or transfer their franchise rights, thereby creating long-term value and stability within the sport.
Implications for Sprint Car Racing:
This franchise system marks a significant shift in sprint car racing, aiming to professionalize the sport and provide financial stability for teams. By ensuring a sustainable business model, High Limit Racing seeks to attract more investment and elevate the overall competitiveness of the series.
Co-founder Brad Sweet emphasized the collaborative nature of this initiative, stating that it “allows us to work hand in hand and gives the team owners some knowledge and transparency on what is going on with the series and the avenues we are seeking for growth.” Kyle Larson echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the system aims to “take the sport to another level” by moving beyond the perception of racing as merely a hobby.
As High Limit Racing prepares for the 2025 season, the introduction of this franchise system is poised to redefine the economics of sprint car racing, offering teams a more predictable and lucrative framework within which to operate.
For a comprehensive overview of the announcement and insights from the press conference, you can watch the official release below:
