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Gentleman, Start the Fire Sale Rumors

After a landmark settlement, a slew of unfavorable publicity, and the departure of its commissioner, NASCAR may finally have to make real room for outside investment. Could it all push the France family to go full sale? Plus: some Fox Sports kremlinology.

nascar burnout Shane Van Gisbergen
Some have wondered whether the France family could be looking for strategic partners—like real estate companies that could develop around the circuit’s tracks—rather than selling an equity stake in the business. Others, of course, are hopeful this could be the first step toward an outright sale. Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
John Ourand
January 8, 2026

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Unlike other U.S. sports entities, NASCAR remains a family-owned business. Bill France Sr. founded the racing circuit way back in 1948, when stock car racing’s Prohibition-era roots were barely memories. The outfit is currently run by Jim France, Bill’s 81-year-old son, and granddaughter Lesa France Kennedy. As team valuations have skyrocketed in recent years, some of the largest companies in the sports business have beaten a path to the Frances’ office to try and persuade the family to cash out. The family has entertained some conversations: In 2018, they hired Goldman Sachs to explore a potential sale. NBCUniversal came close to a deal eight years ago before parentco Comcast spent $40 billion on Sky instead.