Bubba Wallace's contract at risk amid 23XI's charter standoff per reports

AUTO: JUN 22 NASCAR Cup Series USA Today 301 - Source: Getty
AUTO: JUN 22 NASCAR Cup Series USA Today 301 - Source: Getty

23XI Racing has been in talks with NASCAR over the new charter agreement and is one of the two teams that haven't agreed on the newly proposed deal from 2025 to 2031. Moreover, the Toyota team's standoff has put their possible expansion plan and Bubba Wallace's contract extension in limbo.

According to a recent report by The Athletic, industry sources have claimed that the Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin co-owned team were making plans for an additional third car charter in the NASCAR Cup Series, possibly acquiring from the soon-to-be-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing.

Furthermore, the #23 driver Wallace's future is likely in jeopardy after he voiced his frustration in a media interaction ahead of the Atlanta Motor Speedway race. Wallace said:

"It's frustrating to see where we're at, because that impacts my life and livelihood and everything moving forward for my future." [2:12]

Moreover, 23XI Racing's Curtis Polk shared his thoughts on his team missing out on the NASCAR-imposed deadline and said (via Jenna Fryer):

"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."
"This isn't the 1960s and these predatory practices do not withstand scrutiny…." he said.

As reported by Fryer of AP Sports, Polk added:

"NASCAR has consistently refused to deal with 2311 — these negotiations, we are David facing Goliath. NASCAR has superior bargaining power and undue influence over the sport and the charter process."

"It's gonna spread through the shop" - Kevin Harvick urges 23XI Racing to take action on the charter negotiations

NASCAR veteran driver Kevin Harvick believes the uneasiness of the uncertain future of 23XI Racing in NASCAR will "spread cancer" through their shops. Harvick even quoted 23XI Racing driver Bubba Wallace's concern that might affect the organization as a whole.

In an episode of Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour podcast, he said:

"You got the question and you heard Bubba say it." [22:05]
"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," Harvick added. [22:12]
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Here's the official statement shared by 23XI Racing detailing the unfair bargain with NASCAR for the newly proposed charter contract:

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