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NASCAR Has Worked Harder at Charter Negotiations Than We Realized

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 21: NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France looks on during NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day at Charlotte Convention Center on May 21, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MAY 21: NASCAR Chairman and CEO Jim France looks on during NASCAR Hall of Fame Voting Day at Charlotte Convention Center on May 21, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

When teams took the fight to NASCAR, searching for concessions in the new charter agreement, it seemed like NASCAR remained bullish on the topic — at least from the outside looking in. 

A week after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed their antitrust lawsuit against the sanctioning body, the teams requested an injunction to continue racing as chartered teams during the course of the lawsuit. 

During this filing is when a conversation between NASCAR and 23XI became public, sharing the differing perspectives following what 23XI called a “take-it-or-leave-it situation” in the final charter offer. In their Sept. 6 letter, 23XI listed eight points of displeasure with the negotiations.

However, NASCAR responded and specifically addressed the points, including concessions made to try and find a more favorable deal with the teams.

At the moment, NASCAR isn’t exactly seen favorably by very many fans. Over the past month, the sanctioning body has remained fairly tight-lipped as well, contrasting from the pungent quotes delivered by their legal adversaries.

Without sprinkling in negative thoughts or opinions, let’s try and view this from the eyes of NASCAR. After 23XI sent its initial letter, NASCAR responded Sept. 11, saying it “made concessions and in return negotiated for things that NASCAR felt were important.”

Well then, what exactly were the teams wanting, and what concessions did NASCAR claim to make? 

In FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass’ post below are a few of the points raised by 23XI on Sept. 6, followed by NASCAR’s response in a later letter not dated.

The third point raised in 23XI’s initial letter on Sept. 6 held that the team would “not agree to any noncompete at the end of the 7 years” proposed agreement, should 23XI decide then not to renew charters. 

NASCAR responded, “The non-compete clause if you do not renew, was removed in the last draft.”

In point number five, 23XI announced willingness to accept the proposed Driver Incentive plan, but it did not want to “share in the cost of any increase to the plan” over the course of the 7-year deal.

In its response, NASCAR shared that “the Driver Ambassador growth rate is the…

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