What is Driver Incentive Program? All you need to know about NASCAR’s plan to ‘directly’ pay the racers

NASCAR has been working on the Driver Incentive Program since July of last year. Recently, Fox Sports NASCAR journalist Bob Pockrass shared an update on the subject.

The Driver Incentive Program is set to launch in the 2025 season, aligning with NASCAR's new media rights deal. The program aims to expand the sport's reach by incentivizing drivers to engage in more promotional activities, including radio and TV interviews, in-person appearances, podcast hosting, social media posting, and autograph signings. This initiative is designed to motivate drivers to increase their involvement in promoting the sport and connecting with fans.

In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Bob Pockrass responded to a query from a fan who was interested in learning about the Driver Incentive Program. Pockrass wrote:

"NASCAR plans to pay drivers directly (not through the teams) for in-season tournament next year. They also are looking at paying drivers for their time to do things to promote the sport beyond what they do at track."

The news was initially reported in 2023 by Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern. After explaining the Incentive Program and the expectations from NASCAR once it goes live, Stern commented on the possible structure of how it would function. Here's what he wrote (via Sports Business Journal):

"The structure for the driver incentive system is still being worked through, but one idea is a rankings-based approach, with credits awarded throughout the season for services performed and then money paid out at the end of the year. The system would be based on aspects like time spent promoting NASCAR as well as the level of engagement and influence a driver has. A third party company that specializes in media value would help determine the rankings."

However, no recent updates have been released by the France Family-led organisation on the new Driver Incentive Program.

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"Braking zones equal passing zones": Charlotte Motor Speedway’s president opens up on NASCAR's road circuit’s repavement

As the Cup Series heads to Charlotte Motor Speedway(CMS) this weekend, a decision was made to repave parts of the track earlier this year. CMS President Greg Walter shed light on the changes made at the track, emphasizing the new braking zones.

The most significant changes at CMS are between Turns 6 and 7. This section will feature a longer straightaway into Turn 6, followed by a hairpin at Turn 7, potentially altering race dynamics at the road course.

In a recent episode of Dale Earnahrdt Jr.'s Dirty Mo Media podcast, Walter said:

"We have this culture here of being constructively discontent. It's funny we've seen some drivers out here, come out here, take a 'walk,' but they are all down there at Turn 7, to see how that's gonna impact them. So, it's fun, right? At the end, it's about the fans. Our heart is to put on a good show for the fans."

"And in the road courses, braking zones, equal passing zones, and hopefully what we've done is create two new passing zones," he added.

The Bank of America ROVAL 400 is scheduled for October 13, at 2:00 PM ET. Fans can catch the broadcast of the Round of 12 finale at the newly configured track on NBS Sports, PRN Live, and SiriusXM Channel.