A television station in Charlotte set the NASCAR world on fire when it reported -- citing sources -- the CEO Brian France is part of a group that wants to buy the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
EXCLUSIVE: NASCAR's Brian France head of group looking to purchase the Carolina Panthers https://t.co/d0GOR5YZYg pic.twitter.com/MaU3nlmcCd
— WCNC Charlotte (@wcnc) January 3, 2018
The report, citing three anonymous sources, said France would be a majority owner if the group was successful in its bid.
But in a statement to NBC Sports, NASCAR said the report is inaccurate.
"NASCAR denies the accuracy of the WCNC report," the statement said. "Brian France is not involved."
Ever since team owner Jerry Richardson put the team up for sale, some with ties to NASCAR have been linked to a possible sale. For example, the Smith family -- which owns Speedway Motorsports, Inc. -- is considering a bid on the franchise.
But France's name would have come out of nowhere, and, based on the NASCAR denial, nowhere is where this is headed. At least for France.