Kubota High Limit Racing co-owners Kyle Larson and Brad Sweet have introduced a new franchise system for their sprint car racing series with the goal of providing a sustainable business model for team owners.
The franchise system, which begins in 2026, operates similarly to NASCAR's charter system. Ten teams will enter the season with franchises, and they will receive their share of $3,970,000 in 2026. The amount of money paid out increases to $4,322,500 in 2027, $4,620,000 in 2028, and $5,032,500 in 2029.
Franchises will be permanent. Team owners will have the ability to sell and/or transfer their franchise in the coming seasons. Kubota High Limit Racing will determine the rankings based on a two-year rolling average of points finishes.
According to High Limit Racing, the franchise system will start with 10 teams, but there will be a pathway for five additional teams to enter the system in 2026-27. The 15-franchise system would begin with the 2028 season.
Photo credit: High Limit Racing
High Limit Racing has already revealed the first five teams that received franchises due to their finishes in the 2024 championship standings. This group includes Kasey Kahne Racing (No. 49), Clauson-Marshall Racing (No. 7BC), Rico Abreu Racing (No. 24), Roth Motorsports (No. 83), and Murray-Marks Motorsports (No. 19).
High Limit Racing will award the final five franchises at the end of the 2025 season. The average points finishes from the 2024 and '25 seasons will determine which of the seven remaining teams will secure the five remaining franchises.
The remaining eligible teams include Kasey Kahne Racing (No. 9), Buch Motorsports (No. 13), CJB Motorsports (No. 5), Ridge & Sons Racing (No. 87), Jason Meyers Racing (No. 14), Rod Gross Motorsports (No. 88), and Rudeen Racing (No. 26).
With the franchise system officially unveiled, High Limit Racing will officially kick off its 2025 season with a Friday night race in Las Vegas. This event was set for Thursday, but the series postponed it due to inclement weather.
The High Limit Racing season will continue with a packed schedule, taking teams across the United States. The championship weekend will take place Oct. 17-18 at Texas Motor Speedway.