NASCAR Executives Expressed Desire to "Eliminate" SRX Amidst Tense Charter Negotiations, Unsealed Documents Reveal

Unsealed court documents, released on Friday in the lead-up to the December 1 trial of the antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, have illuminated the internal discussions and sentiments of NASCAR leadership regarding competing racing series. Among the most striking revelations are communications from NASCAR Commissioner and then-President Steve Phelps, who expressed a strong desire to "put a knife into this trash series" when referring to the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX).

The context of these remarks, as detailed in emails and text messages, appears to be NASCAR’s reaction to Denny Hamlin, a prominent Cup Series driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing, agreeing to compete in the SRX season opener. This occurred as SRX was preparing for its third season, its first on ESPN, following a two-year stint on CBS. The shift to a Thursday night slot was perceived by NASCAR as creating a greater opportunity for active Cup Series drivers to participate, thus drawing the ire of NASCAR’s top brass.

SRX, founded by a group including NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Tony Stewart, former crew chief Ray Evernham, and sports executives George Pyne and Sandy Montag, had established itself as a unique platform for veteran drivers and select active NASCAR stars. Evernham departed the organization after its inaugural 2021 season, with Donald Hawk taking on the role of CEO for the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

The exchange, dated June 29, 2022, between Phelps and Steve O’Donnell, then-President and Chief Operating Officer of NASCAR, paints a picture of concern within NASCAR regarding SRX’s perceived encroachment.

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Phelps’s initial reaction, as recorded in the documents, was: "Oh great, another owner racing in SRX." This was followed by O’Donnell’s response, "This is NASCAR. Pure and simple. Enough. We need legal to take a shot at this." Phelps then escalated his sentiment with: "These guys are just plain stupid. Need to put a knife in this trash series."

The implication within these communications suggests that NASCAR leadership viewed SRX’s utilization of active Cup Series drivers as a potential infringement on NASCAR’s intellectual property and a diversion of talent and attention from its core series. This concern was not limited to Hamlin’s participation. Earlier that summer, Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks also competed in an SRX event at Stafford Motor Speedway, triggering similar discussions among NASCAR leadership about the threat posed by a rival series operating within the nationally televised stock car racing landscape.

Further unsealed text messages from the same period provide additional insight into NASCAR’s strategic thinking and concerns, particularly in the context of the burgeoning charter negotiations and the subsequent acquisition of the CARS Tour by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Justin Marks.

In a conversation involving O’Donnell and Ben Kennedy (NASCAR’s Vice President of Racing Development), the participation of Justin Marks in SRX was noted with disappointment. An unidentified individual in the exchange highlighted a perceived lack of understanding from drivers and team owners regarding the broader implications of their involvement in SRX. "They just don’t get it," the message read. "I’m sure its cool for Justin to go get behind the wheel but there’s no regard for the bigger picture. And maybe that’s on us for not giving them that incentive, I don’t know."

O’Donnell’s response was particularly revealing, detailing a perceived double standard and a sense of betrayal from figures who had built their careers within NASCAR. He noted the presence of "one of the voices of FOX in Waltrip, an owner of Cup cars in Stewart, our most popular driver for years and one of our champs fathers etc." O’Donnell expressed frustration that these individuals, who he felt owed their careers to NASCAR, were participating in a rival series. He pointedly stated, "This is exhibit ‘a’ that nobody gives a shit about what got them their careers. Pay em some money and they are all in." He also referenced a driver who "cried about safety every single day" participating in SRX without concern for safety measures.

O’Donnell also alluded to potential strategic moves by NASCAR to counter the influence of rival series and secure key racing venues. He mentioned Curtis Polk, a co-owner of 23XI Racing, associating with Michael Jordan and Marty Smith from ESPN, suggesting a broader network of influence beyond traditional NASCAR circles. O’Donnell concluded his message with a stark assessment: "Lots to get our arms around but sadly any ‘goodwill’ seems to be lost. So smiles all around but behind the scenes we scheme and we win."

The discussion then turned to the potential for Dale Earnhardt Jr. to participate in SRX, with O’Donnell anticipating that "Wait until (Dale) Jr. says he is running an event. Matter of time. They will go to North Wilkesboro with Jr. if we are not careful. We need to be the first back." This indicates a proactive strategy by NASCAR to retain control of prominent drivers and historical racing venues.

The ensuing messages reveal a rapid strategic planning session. O’Donnell proposed a combined All-Star event at Bowman Gray and North Wilkesboro for the following season, suggesting a direct counter-programming effort. The other participants agreed, emphasizing the need for swift action: "Agreed – North Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray next year with Jr and friends if we don’t make moves," and "Sick! And flip it for 2024. We’ve got moves to make. Just need to sell them through. Should be a good working session Thursday."

Phelps reinforced the urgency and the stakes, drawing a parallel to the burgeoning LIV Golf tour: "That’s the key – we need to have everyone understand that this could turn into LIV if we don’t play our cards right." He further elaborated on his view of the drivers’ motivations: "We are smarter than they are – but part of the issue is they don’t have the facts and don’t seem to want to take the time to learn or maybe they just don’t care. It’s all about the money and feeling like they have been heard and are respected. The SRX thing is just baffling to me. Why don’t they get it? Oh, they do get it, and it’s a huge FU to us."

These communications underscore the intense competitive landscape and the often-fraught relationship between NASCAR and its stakeholders, particularly during periods of significant negotiation and restructuring, such as the charter system discussions.

The strategic maneuvering discussed in these unsealed documents appears to have had tangible results. The CARS Tour, promoted by XR in conjunction with Speedway Motorsports, held an event at North Wilkesboro in August 2022, preceding NASCAR’s own return to the iconic track for the All-Star Race in 2023. NASCAR also secured a racing lease for Bowman Gray Stadium, leading to its inclusion in the 2025 and 2026 schedules, following its appearance in the 2025 Clash.

Ultimately, the Superstar Racing Experience did not return for a fourth season in 2024, and its physical assets were subsequently sold to GMS Race Cars. The unsealed documents provide a window into the internal deliberations of NASCAR leadership as they navigated perceived threats from alternative racing platforms, demonstrating a determined effort to maintain their dominance in the sport. The antitrust lawsuit, set to commence on December 1, is expected to further explore the dynamics of these relationships and NASCAR’s business practices.