“Every driver in the sports pays to get in”: Amber Balcaen quotes Ross Chastain while doubling down on NASCAR’s harsh reality
ARCA Menards driver Amber Balcaen has shed light on the financial challenges of competing in NASCAR, echoing and expanding upon Cup Series driver Ross Chastain’s candid remarks about the sport’s funding realities.
Balcaen, the first female Canadian to win a NASCAR-sanctioned event in the United States, recently discussed the struggles drivers face in securing sponsorship in a sport where financial backing is crucial.
During an episode of the Barn Talk show, Ross Chastain addressed the “unspoken” rule within NASCAR, explaining how the sport essentially operates like any business.
“Every driver in the sport pays to get in. It’s just a matter of how long and how much per race you pay,” Chastain said. “But it’s the unspoken kind of don’t want to talk about it, but every driver pays to get in. Whether it’s their money, their family, or somebody they know. It could be a legitimate sponsor, but that sponsor is only going to sponsor them because of their personal relationship.”
Balcaen doubled down on Chastain’s reality check by quoting him and sharing her personal perspective on Instagram:
“Most people don’t realize what it actually takes to be in this sport. This is true for every driver. You either have money or you find money. When I’m not racing, it’s because the financial backing isn’t there. Period. This is why sponsors are so important. And why you see drivers compete full time some years and only part time in other years.”
This harsh truth highlights the sponsorship-driven model in NASCAR, where money is undeniably the key to opportunity. Primary sponsorship deals at the top level can cost millions of dollars per season. According to reports, these primary packages range from $5 million to $35 million yearly. Teams rely on sponsorship funds to cover expenses such as travel, testing, and race entry fees.
### Amber Balcaen’s Future Plans: Moving to the NASCAR Canada Series
After competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series last season with Venturini Motorsports, Balcaen has made just two starts this season. She joined Nitro Motorsports in the No. 70 Toyota, finishing 29th at the Daytona season opener and improving to 16th at Talladega Superspeedway.
Earlier this year, Balcaen announced plans to return to Canada to compete in the NASCAR Canada Series. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native also issued a call in June for Canadian sponsors to back her move.
### A Racing Legacy and Sponsorship Partnerships
Balcaen comes from a racing family; her father and grandfather both raced on dirt ovals. She started karting at the age of ten. Over the years, she has built partnerships, including working with ICON Direct, which sponsored her for 40 races as part of the BMR Drivers Academy — a NASCAR development program.
In addition, ICON introduced an AI chat tool at Daytona this year called the “Ask Amber AI,” developed in collaboration with AI firm Gambit Technologies, providing fans a unique way to interact with Balcaen’s persona.
Amber Balcaen’s journey underscores the financial hurdles drivers face in NASCAR and emphasizes the essential role sponsorship plays in making racing dreams a reality.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nascar/news-every-driver-sports-pays-get-in-amber-balcaen-quotes-ross-chastain-doubling-nascar-s-harsh-reality
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