This is the Statt Mann Baby. Time to Scatt a little bit.

We’ll be hearing a lot about NASCAR’s Charter system this year. The current agreement between NASCAR and its teams expires after this season.

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Talks are strained. NASCAR’s teams want more money. NASCAR wants to keep things the way they are despite a new media agreement that is 34 percent larger than the last one. The Race Team Alliance in NASCAR wants a piece of that 34 percent in the form of larger competition guarantees.

The Charter system started in 2016. It’s close to the franchises in other sports like football and basketball. If Charter owners commit to running all Cup races, they’re guaranteed a spot in those races. Charters are capped at 36 so they grow in value because more than 36 team owners want to race in NASCAR.

Personally, I think both sides are missing the point. A cap on spending would bring investment, grow the value of the Charters and increase participation in the industry.

It was once thought the biggest way to make a million dollars in racing was to start with five million.

A spending cap would level the field and make the charters soar in value.

The idea works in Formula One.

Peace.