LAS VEGAS, Nev.: Brad Sweet, Kyle Larson, and FloRacing have been peppered with question after question about the idea of High Limit Racing going to a charter system moving forward.
The major inquiries ranged from what does something like that look like to how would you execute it with Sprint Car racing being a niche sport? Then, there are the detractors who just chalk it up to being the same as NASCAR and are against it.
But after an intense process of putting a program together, High Limit announced a “Franchise” system Thursday before the series season opener at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Brad Sweet, Kyle Larson, and FloRacing General Manager Michael Rigsby laid out the numbers and how it will work in a press conference that was open to the media and broadcast on FloRacing.
According to the High Limit brass, there is a maximum of $4 million available in 2026 for the franchise system. The number grows to $4.3 million in 2027 before escalating to $4.6 million in 2028. The maximum shared in 2029 will be $5 million. Other topics during the announcement were sports gambling and the Dirt II documentary, but the questions seemed to center around the franchise system.
“Franchises are basically a permanent asset for team owners,” Sweet said. “It’s a partnership between the team owners and the series, and we think it creates a foundation for everyone to grow. It’s a win-win situation to grow our wonderful sport of Sprint Car racing.
“It allows us to work hand and hand and gives the team owners some knowledge and transparency on what is going on with the series and the avenues we are seeking for growth. It sets us up for success and the teams up for success, as well.”
Continued Sweet, “I’ve been on the road, and I think you make a lot of sacrifices as a driver, and also, team owners. We wanted to make sure that when we do this, we don’t just stick with the status quo … that we make the gains we think this sport can make.
“It’s just the first step. This a great first step, but there are a lot of other aspects that are going to go into growing this sport and a lot more investments along the way. We are very excited to be a part of this ground-breaking announcement.”
The franchise system kicks in next season. It’s based on a two-year running total based on points. So, the 2026 stipend of $425,000, which also includes tow money, will be handed out to the team with the best overall points for 2024 and 2025 combined.
But this isn’t just a top-heavy fund. Second will bank $350,000, with third paying $300,000. Fourth and fifth are $280,000 and $260,000, respectively. Tenth will receive $150,000. According to officials, the money will be paid out at some point through the 2026 season.
Kasey Kahne Racing, Tim Clauson Racing (Tyler Courtney), Rico Abreu Racing, Roth Motorsports, and Brent Marks Racing earned franchises last season. An additional five teams will acquire charters based on their two-year point performance heading into the 2026 campaign.
The top 10 franchise spots will share $2.6 million the first year. The additional $1.4 million will be paid out based on performance…things like most wins, a point fund for non-franchise teams, etc.
“I’m excited by this and excited about the hard work it’s taken to get to this point,” Larson said. “We didn’t know what this was going to look like a year ago, but through hard work from Brad, myself, the whole High Limit team, and FloRacing, it’s great news.
“I like that it’s professionalizing our sport and that it’s not as much of a hobby. We want the teams to feel that and the fans who come to our events to feel that. I think this takes the sport to another level.”
The franchise, formerly charter, system was always going to be based on rights fees. Things like streaming, sponsorship, and other multi-revenue generating avenues.
For FloRacing, part owner and streaming partner of High Limit, this is an investment in the future. They have seen how far this series has come in a short time and feel comfortable with where it can go in the future.
“I think looking long term at High Limit the series, I think the belief is there for growth through sponsorship, through streaming revenue, through the actual growth of the series, through advertising,” Rigsby said. “A lot of buckets go into making things like this happen, so anything like that goes into it.”
Talking to some teams five months ago, there was some uncertainty surrounding such a system. Some of those same teams voiced concern privately and didn’t know if they were going to return this season.
All of them did, and according to Sweet, the feedback directed toward this new initiative has been all positive from both drivers and teams. Then again, over $17 million paid out over four years has a tendency to have that affect.
“They see the guarantees, and they want to make sure that we aren’t changing some of the dynamics of the sport that make it so great,” Sweet said. “Purse money isn’t involved in those guarantees. It’s a different way to pay the point money and tow money, which is tied to those guarantees.
“We are going to continue to grow the purse money and grow our events. The permanent franchise members aren’t going to have guaranteed starting spots in the A-Main. You are still going to have to go out and race at a high level.
“It’s a two-year running average, and your point finishes are going to dictate where your franchise is. There is still extreme motivation for the racecar driver to run well night in and night out, so it’s just a lot of added value without taking away from the sport.”