NASCAR has responded to allegations in a lawsuit involving Curtis Polk, co-owner of 23XI Racing, accusing him of devising tactics to disrupt NASCAR operations. According to the filing, Polk is alleged to have been involved in orchestrating boycotts or threats of boycotts targeting NASCAR events, engaging in media campaigns designed to influence negotiations over broadcasting rights, and pressuring other team owners to maintain solidarity and refrain from breaking ranks with these strategies.
In addition, NASCAR addressed the issue of transferring charters from Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) to 23XI Racing or Front Row Motorsports (FRM). NASCAR asserted that the existing charters were obtained with a clear understanding of their contractual terms, specifically a release clause that must be agreed upon for any charter transfer request to be considered. The organization emphasized that no exceptions would be made regarding this stipulation, reinforcing its stance that SHR charters will not be transferred to either 23XI or FRM under the current circumstances.
This development highlights ongoing tensions between NASCAR and some of its teams over the governance of charters and the broader implications of media rights negotiations. The accusations against Polk, if substantiated, could point to significant discord within the NASCAR community, particularly concerning efforts to challenge or influence organizational policies. NASCAR’s firm position on charter transfers further underscores its commitment to upholding its regulations, even amid legal challenges and potential disputes among team owners.
