NASCAR is entering a new era in 2026. The sport is expected to implement a new points format for the first time in over a decade, while the organizations have permanent charters now. The trial against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports ended with a settlement that gave teams the new “evergreen” tag; however, that cannot be the end of NASCAR’s new beginnings.
The sport desperately needs to regain the trust of the garage and fan base following a damaging lawsuit. NASCAR took blow after blow with revealed text messages, emails, and documents that angered many within the sport, including its fans. It was a very challenging few months, as the call for change grew louder and louder.
This isn’t calling for NASCAR to sell. It isn’t calling for the entire France family to leave the picture. It is a plea to continue the process of healing for the betterment of the sport. Everyone saw what was disclosed over the last few months, including NASCAR drivers, owners, sponsors, and more. Therefore, it is crucial to continue the steps in the right direction, such as ditching the one-race finale and increasing horsepower.
The healing could continue with Ben Kennedy, who is highly regarded in the industry, earning more power within NASCAR. The 33-year-old executive is responsible for the growth in NASCAR’s schedule during the 2020s, and would be a fantastic option for the future. In fact, NASCAR president Steve O’Donnell, who has great experience, could help guide him through different situations.
Quite frankly, no matter what NASCAR does moving forward, it might not be enough for some people. However, all the sport can do is pick up the pieces and push with what it has been given. Everyone wants NASCAR to be in a better place, and the settlement was an excellent part of that process.
Either way, the damage has been done, and everyone is impacted. For NASCAR to regain the trust lost during the trial, it needs to keep making changes that prove it has the sport’s long-term future as the priority. It is time for NASCAR to move forward, but it needs to apply the lessons learned from the lawsuit to keep improving the sport.