Cup Teams Ready to Challenge the France Family as NASCAR’s Future Spirals Into Uncertainty

NASCAR’s trial against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports has exposed the inner workings of the governing body, prompting many fans to turn against the organization. Criticism and scrutiny were already high during the 2025 campaign, but the legal drama has amplified the tension.

Recent testimonies have placed NASCAR leadership in serious trouble. Jim France and his family find themselves in an increasingly difficult position nearly a week into the trial. The situation has intensified to the point where speculation is growing about whether the France family will retain ownership of the sport. Now, rumors suggest specific teams might be ready to place bids.

Why Is the France Family Facing Criticism?

The France family has been the centerpiece of backlash this season regarding several of the sport’s shortcomings. That frustration has only risen in recent weeks with NASCAR’s trial underway.

Among the many figures speaking out against the actions of the NASCAR bosses was Joe Gibbs Racing executive Heather Gibbs. In her recent testimony, she discussed her conversation with Jim France before signing the charter agreement.

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Gibbs, who was far from pleased with NASCAR’s latest terms, chose to speak with the NASCAR boss directly. Jim France, however, was unwilling to negotiate and straight up declared, “I’m done with the conversations.” He also mentioned being content if multiple teams decided against signing the charter agreement.

Has the France Family Put NASCAR Up for Sale?

Following this testimony, strong rumors emerged about several teams’ interest in buying NASCAR in some capacity if the France family were to put it up for sale. The speculation began when Jonathan Marshall, the executive director of the Race Team Alliance (RTA), announced the teams’ interest in acquiring a stake in the sport.

As Marshall discussed the key differences between NASCAR and other major sports leagues in the country, he also mentioned that a handful of prominent names in the garage would be interested in bidding on buying NASCAR, should that option ever become available.

At least some NASCAR Cup Series teams would be interested in bidding to buy @NASCAR should the property ever be put up for sale, people familiar confirm, following Jonathan Marshall’s testimony Friday. https://t.co/xHvBANR6bs

— Adam Stern (@A_S12) December 8, 2025

That said, Marshall also stated that the France family had never officially put NASCAR up for sale in recent times. Additionally, NASCAR officials refused to comment on the possibility.

One of the largest stock car racing organizations in the world, NASCAR is currently valued at $5 billion. Though those stats were last revealed by Goldman Sachs in 2018, the numbers have not been updated since then.

Assuming the number is even $5 billion, it certainly will not be a cheap buy for the bidders. It also remains to be seen how ownership will be divided and which entities of NASCAR will be up for sale. That scenario, however, all depends on whether the France family actually goes ahead and takes a call to sell the sport.