Is NASCAR a Monopoly?

Is NASCAR a monopoly? That is a question that was recently debated, and you can listen to the debate in this week’s Business of Motorsport Roundup. I also have the name of the new track for the Spanish Grand Prix, a look inside the Formula E offices and the latest motorsport sponsorship deals and partnerships.

Motorsport Industry News

Formula 1

Stefano Domenicali

Stefano Domenicali will continue as president and CEO of Formula One Management for a further five years, the commercial rights holder for the Formula 1 championship has announced. Autosport looks at the implications this may have for Formula 1 going forward. “Domenicali’s broad experience gives him an appeal to new investors as well as the respect of insiders: he’s been around long enough to know how F1 works but isn’t afraid of change, and is prepared to engage.”

With a new ticketing plan for this year’s race, Las Vegas Grand Prix organizers have indicated that they are confident in securing a continuation of their contract to host the race. “As with everything, contracts come to an end. However, with all of the different stakeholders in Vegas, we are going through a renewal process, so we’re feeling very comfortable that the race will continue,” said Emily Prazer, the president of the Las Vegas GP.

Is NASCAR a Monopoly?

Organizers of the new Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid next year have unveiled a unique name for the circuit, introducing the ‘Madring’. Race organizers unveiled the ‘Madring’ branding and explained the reasoning behind the name change.

“Formula 1 circuits are typically referred to by the city or region where they are located – Monza, Imola, Interlagos, Spa, Silverstone, Miami, Las Vegas,” a statement read. “However, their full official names are rarely used. For this reason, Madring aims to establish a concise and memorable identity that directly references its host city, is instantly recognisable worldwide, and requires no translation. Ultimately, it is more than just a name — it is a genuine, distinctive, and iconic brand, designed to resonate with a modern and engaged F1 audience.”

The Business of Speed reports that Netflix is continuing to eye F1 streaming rights after their original series “Senna” achieved significant viewership. “A partnership between Netflix and Formula 1 could accelerate the migration of premium sports content to streaming platforms. With F1 already hosting three U.S. races—in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas—Netflix’s expertise in content creation could further bolster the sport’s domestic presence.”

Maja Czarzasty-Zybert looks at the potential and possibilities of Formula 1 in Africa. “Africa is also one of the fastest-growing automotive and technology markets. A rapidly expanding middle class, increasing investments in renewable energy, and a growing number of young, talented engineers make the continent attractive to international brands, including those linked to motorsport.”

Blinkfire has published their 2024 Formula 1 report. “Buckle up as we dive into the thrills and trends of the 2024 racing season. Find insights on top 10 brands dominating social media in the sport, team power rankings, the biggest social media shifts in F1, and much more.” You can download the report here.

General Motorsport Industry News

NASCAR Logo

NASCAR Sunday’s race in Phoenix averaged 2.82 million viewers on FS1, marking the largest Cup Series audience on cable in nearly four years, but also a decline of 30% compared to last year’s race on the Fox broadcast network. The audience proves that NASCAR is more popular than you may think.

RACER reports that NASCAR continues to move forward with its plans to contest a doubleheader weekend in Mexico City this summer despite increasing rumors around the garage that the event won’t occur.

Fox Sports CEO and Exec Producer Eric Shanks’ “bravado, energy and passion” for a sport he now works in-step with is apparent as he tries to “help return IndyCar to national mainstream notoriety,” according to Nathan Brown of the Indianapolis Star (via Sports Business Journal). Some of that boost “will come simply from the opportunity the network has given the sport,” with 19 national network TV windows this season that includes all 17 races and both days of Indy 500 qualifying.

The NTT IndyCar Series has announced a date for the first running on the new Grand Prix of Arlington street event, which will take place in one year’s time on 13-15 March 2026.

The FIA has announced that it will take control of the World Rallycross Championship, becoming the series’ owner and operator. “I think what’s coming now is the best that could come out of it, that the FIA really takes charge of it and leads us into the future,” long-time World RX team owner Kenneth Hansen told RACER. “The FIA is our lead organization, and when they take us on board, it shows that it is something they believe in, because they could also have said, ‘okay, it doesn’t look good, so we’ll just stop it’, then the World Championship would have been gone. But that’s not the way they look at it.”

The FIA has moved to ensure World Rally Championship competitors will be supplied with fuel for next week’s Safari Rally Kenya despite the World Rally Championship’s fuel supplier P1 Fuels being placed into administration.

“The current-specification fuel for Safari Rally Kenya (20-23 March 2025) is in transit and will be used at the event. The FIA remains in regular dialogue with all parties to deliver the best solution for future events.”

Quick Takes on the Business of Motorsport This Week

Is NASCAR a Monopoly?
Is NASCAR a Monopoly?

Highlights from the Sustainable Motorsport Roundup

Sustainable carbon fibre in Mercedes F1W16

Mercedes is to use innovative sustainable carbon fibre composites for the first time in F1 on their 2025 car and this week’s Sustainable Motorsport Roundup has the details. I also have details on a hydrogen forum for European teachers at this year’s 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, recycling in F1 and an off-road race truck concept taking on the Mint 400.

Motorsport Law Roundup

A look at some of the legal and regulatory issues and analysis in Motorsport this week

Front Row Motorsports

Is NASCAR a monopoly. That is the issue debated by Jordan Bianchi, motorsports reporter at The Athletic and Harry First, professor emeritus of antitrust law at New York University. Former chief of the Antitrust Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General of the State of New York. You can read the transcript or listen to the debate on WBUR here.

Law360 reports that the Fourth Circuit will hear arguments on May 9 as to whether NASCAR should be extricated from an injunction forcing it to offer charter contracts to two teams — including one co-owned by former NBA star Michael Jordan — that have accused the league of antitrust violations.

Former or current professional athlete/drivers and aspiring professional female drivers can attend as guests at the upcoming LawInSport Motorsport Law 2025 conference. Full details here.

Motorsport Sponsorship, Partnership News and Analysis

Here are the latest motorsport sponsorship deals, partnerships and related analysis that were announced this week

Is NASCAR a Monopoly?
Is NASCAR a Monopoly?
Is NASCAR a Monopoly?
Is NASCAR a Monopoly?

Team & Manufacturer News

Here is a roundup of the latest team news from around the world of motorsport

Is NASCAR a Monopoly?
Archangel Motorsports
Is NASCAR a Monopoly?
Mark Boudreau
Author: Mark Boudreau

Mark is the publisher of Motorsport Prospects. As a lawyer, he applies his legal background and research skills to assist race drivers by showcasing the resources they need to make their motorsport careers happen.

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