Did You Notice? … Currently, if the Round of 16 in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs were 10 out of the 12 remaining spots would be secured by Team Penske, Hendrick Motorsports, and Joe Gibbs Racing.
Of course, with two races still left, the situation could change dramatically. However, these teams stand as the dominant forces at the forefront of Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota, the three manufacturers essential to NASCAR’s sustainability. Over the past nine years, they have collectively claimed eight titles, and their combined total of 666 all-time victories marks them as the most triumphant trio in the history of the sport.
This concentration of power at the summit has proven challenging to disrupt. The only exception, Furniture Row Racing, is no longer in operation. Its sponsorship for what was a two-car team evaporated within a year after Martin Truex Jr. seized the championship in 2017.
Cup Championships Won Since 2015
* – No longer competing in NASCAR (closed after the 2018 season)
Two years ago, when the Next Gen car was introduced to the Cup series, it seemed improbable that this dominance would persist. Designed to promote equality within the garage, the car yielded a remarkable 19 different winners—the most in a single season since 2001. Notably, a driver from one of these top three teams (Truex) missed the playoffs, and the Championship 4 featured an unlikely contender: Ross Chastain from Trackhouse Racing.
Moreover, the performance of mid-tier teams suggested a potential shift in power. Erik Jones captured a victory for Richard Petty’s team at the Southern 500, while AJ Allmendinger triumphed at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, marking Kaulig Racing’s first full-time Cup season.
Chase Briscoe celebrated his inaugural win with Stewart-Haas Racing, and both Bubba Wallace and Kurt Busch found victory with 23XI Racing. RFK Racing achieved playoff status with Brad Keselowski, gaining momentum that led to a three-win season and Round of 8 participation for Chris Buescher the following year.
As expected, NASCAR ratings saw an uptick, welcoming a new demographic of fans. Although the playoffs experienced somewhat lackluster viewership, on the whole, the Cup Series gained popularity amidst increasing competition and a decade-long decline. This positive trend has continued, with the sport either stabilizing or boosting its television audience.
However, the wave of diversity that once surged through the sport is now at risk.
This season, the Big Three—Penske, Hendrick, and Gibbs—have secured 20 out of 27 race victories. This number exceeds the previous year by four at this time (when only one driver, Chase Elliott, had more than two wins). It also represents a 25% rise from 2023, a season highlighted by Shane van Gisbergen’s stunning victory at the Chicago Street Race during his Cup debut.
In 2024? SVG has yet to secure a spot in the top 10 in any Cup race. Kaulig
When SHR goes silent, one must look back two decades to find the last team that won a Cup championship without the names Penske, Hendrick, or Gibbs. This honor belongs to the previous iteration of RFK, known as Roush Racing, which claimed the first playoff format title with Kurt Busch in 2004.
Currently, 23XI is positioned as the strongest contender among the second tier to disrupt this dominance. Tyler Reddick has secured the regular season championship, a historic milestone for the team, allowing it to streamline resources as their other vehicle, piloted by Wallace, did not qualify for the playoffs.
This context is critical, particularly with the anticipated new charter agreement on the horizon.
After being vocal advocates for change, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan learned over the past weekend that a reported 30 out of 36 charters have agreed to a new deal with NASCAR set to commence in 2025. As stated by FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, each potentially having three charters next season, remain the only holdouts, having been notified on Friday night (Sept. 6) that agreement was essential to retain their guaranteed positions on the grid for 2025.
This situation has sparked controversy and criticism directed towards 23XI, leading to significant off-track distractions. Curtis Polk, a representative for 23XI, even likened the scenario to “David facing Goliath.”
This analogy is indeed fitting.
Analyzing the distribution of those 30 charters reveals that 11 of them are held by the aforementioned powerhouse teams: Penske, Hendrick, and Gibbs. They stand to gain the most from the existing system, maintaining significant success and being best equipped to handle any financial gains or setbacks. What motivation do they have to contest NASCAR on any proposed changes? History has shown that any attempt to divide a series results in losing outcomes for all parties involved, as seen with IndyCar.
Consequently, certain concessions others were advocating for, such as a grandfathered cap of three charters per organization to promote more owners and enhance competitiveness, have fallen by the wayside. Moreover, charters will not be permanent past 2031, and the current agreement does not meet the financial expectations teams were aiming for.
NASCAR has made it clear that the past few years of collaboration with the Race Team Alliance were just for show, asserting their authority decisively. The message is straightforward: either comply or exit.
The three most influential organizations responded with indifference, acknowledging the fun in negotiations while data shows they will likely remain at the top. Notably, there are also 19 other charters in play: smaller owners may have assessed the situation and concluded they had little hope of competing against the powerful teams backing this arrangement, prompting a sense of urgency.
What about 23XI and Front Row? These two teams have shown growth and positioned themselves to challenge the established hierarchy in the medium term.
They now find themselves at a
Joe Gibbs, who is 87 years old, alongside 75-year-old Rick Hendrick and 75-year-old Roger Penske, represents a compact leadership in NASCAR that feels more centralized than it has in the last decade.
This trend echoes the dynamics on the racetrack. Is this a beneficial shift or a detrimental one? What strategies are being devised for the next generation and the upcoming decade of NASCAR competition amidst a concentration of power among a select few teams? Will any new manufacturer be bold enough to enter an environment where establishing a presence could take ten years or more against this established structure?
Perhaps this group, along with their associates, holds the solutions. NASCAR President Steve Phelps, in particular, merits significant recognition; under his leadership, the series has felt more inclusive and collaborative than ever before. The three teams mentioned were crucial to the sport’s remarkable expansion during the 1990s and 2000s, indicating their established role in the previous success.
However, NASCAR has unequivocally asserted its authority this week. This follows a recent period where cracks appeared in a foundation painstakingly rebuilt over the years.
They say it’s incredibly difficult to ascend a mountain, with each step forward being challenging yet the potential to fall back being all too easy.
Let’s hope that support is available to all involved before they lose their grip.
Did You Notice? … Here are some quick highlights before you go …
- After the race in Atlanta on September 8, Ty Gibbs has led over 500 laps in the Cup Series without securing a win. Although he made his playoff debut after 78 starts, the inability to clinch a victory becomes increasingly apparent.
- The biggest threat to the dominance of the Big Three might just be Kyle Busch. He has achieved four consecutive top-10 finishes, even though he is absent from the postseason, marking his best run with RCR since last summer.
- This weekend’s notable wild cards? A.J. Allmendinger, Shane van Gisbergen, and Juan Pablo Montoya, returning to the Cup Series for the first time since 2014. Each could become a spoiler in a race where maintaining track position is crucial.
Follow Tom Bowles on X at @NASCARBowles
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Consolidation of Power: The Dominance of NASCAR’s Big Three
Understanding the Big Three in NASCAR
NASCAR has evolved significantly over the years, with certain teams consistently rising to the top. The ”Big Three” refers to the three dominant teams that have shaped the landscape of NASCAR racing. These teams have not only achieved remarkable success on the track but have also influenced the sport’s culture and business model.
The Historical Context of NASCAR’s Dominance
Historically, NASCAR has seen several teams dominate the competition. The Big Three typically includes:
- Team Penske
- Hendrick Motorsports
- Joe Gibbs Racing
These teams have a combined history of championship titles and race wins that highlight their competitive edge and strategic prowess.
Achievements of the Big Three
| Team | Championships | Notable Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Penske | 2 | Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano |
| Hendrick Motorsports | 14 | Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson |
| Joe Gibbs Racing | 5 | Tony Stewart, Kyle Busch |
Factors Contributing to Their Success
The sustained dominance of these teams can be attributed to several key factors:
- Strong Leadership: Each of the Big Three teams is led by experienced figures who understand the nuances of NASCAR and can adapt to changing conditions.
- Innovative Technology: Advances in car design and engineering have allowed these teams to stay ahead of the competition.
- Talent Development: These teams invest in nurturing young talent, ensuring a pipeline of skilled drivers.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations with sponsors and technical partners enhance their operational capabilities.
The Impact of Dominance in NASCAR
While the success of the Big Three brings prestige and visibility to NASCAR, it also raises concerns about competition and fan engagement.
Fan Reactions
Historically, dominance in NASCAR has led to mixed reactions among fans. For instance, Dale Earnhardt, despite his iconic status, often received both boos and cheers, reflecting the polarized views of fans towards dominant figures in the sport [[1](https://www.jacksonville.com/story/sports/motorsports/2010/03/07/dominance-can-be-lonely-in-nascar/15954167007/)].
Challenges for New Teams
The consolidation of power can make it challenging for emerging teams to compete. New entrants often struggle to match the resources and experience of the Big Three, leading to a less diverse competitive landscape.
Case Studies: Notable Seasons of Dominance
2014: A Year of Team Penske
In 2014, Team Penske experienced a remarkable season with Brad Keselowski clinching the championship. Their strategic pit stops and innovative use of aerodynamics played a crucial role in their success.
2016: The Reign of Hendrick Motorsports
Hendrick Motorsports demonstrated their prowess in 2016 with Jimmie Johnson winning his seventh championship, tying the record for the most in NASCAR history. This season highlighted the team’s ability to adapt their strategies mid-season, showcasing their depth in talent.
2020: Joe Gibbs Racing’s Consistency
Joe Gibbs Racing maintained a competitive edge in 2020, with multiple drivers finishing in the top ten for the championship standings. Their consistent performance underscored their strategic planning and execution throughout the season.
Benefits of Team Dominance
Despite the challenges posed by the dominance of the Big Three, there are notable benefits for the sport:
- Increased Sponsorship: Success attracts sponsors, providing more financial stability to the sport.
- Enhanced Fan Engagement: Dominant teams often create storylines that engage fans, drawing them into the drama of racing.
- Technological Advancements: Competition among the Big Three fosters innovation, leading to improvements in safety and performance.
Practical Tips for New Teams to Compete
Newer teams looking to break into the upper echelons of NASCAR can consider the following strategies:
- Leverage Technology: Invest in cutting-edge technology to enhance car performance and data analytics.
- Build Strategic Alliances: Partner with experienced teams or sponsors to gain insights and resources.
- Focus on Driver Development: Cultivate young talent through comprehensive training programs.
First-Hand Experiences from Drivers
Many drivers share insights on what it’s like to compete against the Big Three. For instance, some describe the pressure of competing at such a high level, while others emphasize the importance of learning from the strategies employed by these dominant teams. Former drivers often highlight the critical role of teamwork and communication in achieving success on the track.
The Future of NASCAR and the Big Three
As NASCAR continues to evolve, the dominance of the Big Three teams may face new challenges. Changes in regulations, the introduction of new talent, and shifts in audience preferences could reshape the competitive landscape. Yet, the legacy of these teams and their influence on the sport will undoubtedly remain significant.
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