If NASCAR were a classroom, the France family would be the head, principal, and owner of the building, all rolled into one. Since Bill France Sr. first drew up the rulebook in the late 1940s, the family has run the show their way. From Daytona to Darlington, their fingerprints are on nearly every track that matters. But here’s the twist: unlike the NFL or MLB, NASCAR teams aren’t franchise owners. Rather, they’re more like tenants in a very exclusive club.

To make the grind worth it, NASCAR rolled out “charters,” giving teams guaranteed race spots and a share of the prize money. In theory, it brought stability. In practice? It’s sparked one of the sport’s most complicated tug-of-wars between those who own the track and those risking it all on it. And that tension just hit another gear w

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