The foundation of NASCAR, that is, grassroots racing, has been looking bleak in recent times. Drivers like Brad Keselowski have spoken about the lack of funds to save the small tracks, while also shedding light on the calls to get the France family more involved in the revival of the scene.

Grassroots racing has faced its own challenges over the years. The smaller leagues have struggled to keep the teams and tracks afloat due to financial situations. While talking to the media pre-race at Bristol, Keselowski was questioned about his thoughts on reviving grassroots racing.

The RFK Racing driver replied, saying, "Yeah, well, it’s important. You know, capital is really hard to come by for these small tracks, and it’s so expensive and so hard to build new ones that your best bet is to save the ones that we have or to upgrade even the ones that we have into the facilities that we want them to be."

Elaborating on calls from the fans to have the France family revive smaller tracks for grassroots racing, Brad Keselowski added:

"Everybody wants the tracks to invest in, but nobody wants to be the money to help them invest in them. You know, I read all these things about France family should buy this track or that track. And it’s kind of like, I think they just went through all the lawsuit stuff. I don’t know if they would share that same sentiment. But it’s just hard to find the capital to be successful for a racetrack. And whether that’s building a new one or maintaining the ones that we have, it’s quite the uphill battle, but an important one for our sport."

Over the past few years, there have been related developments in grassroots racing. In 2024, Racing America, which broadcasts the NASCAR grassroots league, Show Me the Money, signed a multiyear broadcasting deal with Montgomery Motor Speedway to broadcast the local races at the track.

Another development in 2025 was that ASA STARS, a national Super Late Model tour, introduced a loyalty program worth $655,000 that aims to boost the participation of teams. Under this program, the teams will be receiving a bonus amount for just starting a race, along with operational costs and a host of other benefits, all in the hopes of reviving grassroots racing. 

The debut of the NASCAR Local Racing Series powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts

Earlier this year, NASCAR rebranded its Weekly Series to NASCAR Local Racing Series powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts. The updated identity would help revive grassroots racing at the short tracks across the U.S and Canada.

It mainly focuses on driver development and community engagement. Through this rebranding, NASCAR aims to encourage local competitors and support hometown tracks.

"Local short tracks are the heartbeat of NASCAR – they’re where raw talent is developed, hard-nosed competition is on full display, and the next generation of stars earns its stripes," said Joey Dennewitz, Managing Director of NASCAR Regional.

"The NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts captures the authenticity, toughness, and community pride that define grassroots racing, while presenting it in a way that is clearer and more accessible for fans and partners alike," he added.

The series will become an important step in the NASCAR driver development program, with the races set to be televised on FloRacing.

Read more at the RFK Racing Digest!

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco

Edited by

Yask Kotak