23XI Racing has been engaged in ongoing negotiations with NASCAR regarding the newly proposed charter agreement, which is set to take effect from 2025 to 2031. However, the team, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, is one of two that have yet to agree to the terms of this new deal. Their reluctance has raised concerns about their potential expansion and put driver Bubba Wallace’s contract extension in jeopardy.
A recent report from The Athletic has suggested that 23XI Racing was exploring the possibility of acquiring a third car charter for the NASCAR Cup Series, potentially from the soon-to-be-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing. This expansion plan, however, has been cast into uncertainty due to the current standoff with NASCAR. Furthermore, Bubba Wallace, the driver of the #23 car, has expressed his own frustrations regarding the situation, as it directly impacts his future with the team. In a media interaction ahead of the Atlanta Motor Speedway race, Wallace voiced his concerns, stating:
“It’s frustrating to see where we’re at, because that impacts my life and livelihood and everything moving forward for my future.”
The delay in reaching an agreement on the new charter has also been addressed by Curtis Polk, an executive at 23XI Racing. Polk pointed out that the team missed the NASCAR-imposed deadline due to concerns over the contract’s terms. In an interview with Jenna Fryer, Polk explained:
“The contract offer took away essential rights, and we believe that all teams, including those who signed, may not have been given a true opportunity to negotiate or fully understand the implications of the contract terms.”
Polk further emphasized the disparity in bargaining power between NASCAR and the teams, drawing parallels to a David and Goliath situation. He accused NASCAR of using its influence over the sport to dictate terms in a way that disadvantaged 23XI Racing and other teams:
“This isn’t the 1960s, and these predatory practices do not withstand scrutiny.”
He added, “NASCAR has consistently refused to deal with 23XI — in these negotiations, we are David facing Goliath. NASCAR has superior bargaining power and undue influence over the sport and the charter process.”
Kevin Harvick, a veteran NASCAR driver, has also weighed in on the situation, urging 23XI Racing to take decisive action regarding the ongoing charter negotiations. On his “Happy Hour” podcast, Harvick highlighted the potential negative impact the uncertainty could have on the team’s morale and operations. Citing Wallace’s public concerns, Harvick warned that failing to address the situation could cause significant issues within the organization:
“You got the question, and you heard Bubba say it. Now it’s gonna spread through the shop, through the employees, unless they address it and say, ‘Okay, we’re going to sign it, or we’re going to do this, or we’re in or we’re out.’ But they have to address that situation or it’s gonna spread a cancer through their shop like they’ve never experienced before.”
This atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration has raised alarms within 23XI Racing, as the unresolved charter agreement could lead to deeper issues if not addressed promptly. The team has shared an official statement outlining its grievances, particularly regarding what it perceives as an unfair deal from NASCAR. The situation remains unresolved, and the standoff continues to loom over the team’s potential expansion and Bubba Wallace’s future in the NASCAR Cup Series.
