It has no drivers, no television contract and no venues, but the new stock car series founded in part by Maxx Motorsports CEO Jon Pritchett has a name – Team Racing Auto Circuit.
The formation of TRAC was announced at a press conference in Charlotte, N.C., in May, and Pritchett said the league plans to begin competition in 2003. Also involved in the venture are Robert Wussler, former executive with CBS and Turner Sports; Michael Kranefuss, former Winston Cup car owner; and Cale Yarborough, three-time NASCAR Winston Cup champion and former car owner himself.
“I guess it’s hard to see [NASCAR] welcoming us with open arms,” Yarborough said. “But I would hope they would understand and recognize there is room for this sport to grow.”
NASCAR officials had no comment about TRAC.
TRAC will race at oval tracks, and plans to start with eight to 12 two-car teams located in major television markets. Teams will represent cities, and be designated by Team Atlanta, Team Charlotte, etc. The season will consist of 16 to 24 races, with a playoff and championship format.
Since there will be two-car teams, the duos of drivers will accumulate points in order to qualify for the postseason.
Other innovations will include multiple manufacturers who might not be involved in NASCAR, revenue sharing, style of cars, and a single-entity structure.
