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23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were among the teams that wanted to expand after the sale of Stewart-Haas Racing. Despite not signing the new NASCAR Charter Agreement, recent reports suggest that both teams, prior to not signing, had plans for expansion next year.
When Stewart Haas Racing announced their impending closure and sale of three charters, there was a short list of teams known to be interested in expansion via charter. These teams included:
The first buyer was FRM, who announced in early June that they had purchased a charter for a third car in 2025. The team initially signed Noah Gragson for 2025. However, with the loss of Michael McDowell, the team still needed a third driver.
Many names flew around the rumor mill; however, when Trackhouse Racing released Zane Smith, a former FRM driver, his name shot to the top of that list. This rumored plan looked dead in the water with Smith and Ford’s rumored sour relationship.
Nonetheless, Jordan Bianchi of the Athletic reports that Smith is, with the proper sponsorship, likely to be that third driver despite his relationship with Ford. Furthermore, Bianchi suggests that there are plans for 23XI’s rumored expansion, with Riley Herbst as the likely driver.
However, that expansion is up in the air.
23XI co-owners Curtis Polk, Denny Hamlin, and Michael Jordan have been outspoken about their negative opinions of the 2024 NASCAR Charter Agreement negotiation.
While it was a public bargaining chip, this outspoken nature benefited 23XI. However, during the Atlanta Playoff race weekend, NASCAR allegedly forced teams’ hands and made them sign the massive agreement.
While most teams signed, 23XI, in a somehow not-so-shocking move, did not sign the agreement. Not only did 23XI Racing hold, but fellow rumored expansionist FRM refused to sign as well.
This move puts the two parties at risk of losing their combined five or even six charters. This loss would result in a heavier financial burden, including loss of Charter revenue sharing and the risk of not qualifying for races with more than 40 entries.
In the scenario where they lose their charters, recent rumors suggest that 23XI could have to make a tough decision to reduce its fleet to one car. This results from signs that longtime driver Bubba Wallace’s contract negotiations have stalled.
While there is no word as to why FRM held out or if they face a similar decision, the lack of a signed agreement definitely affects the team’s planned expansion. However, do these recent rumors show a form of hope to FRM and 23XI fans?
Unfortunately, there isn’t much hope or word right now on the two defiant teams. Neither side looks to be giving any room, and neither team is public about detailed plans for the future.
23XI’s owners are more focused on the larger battle ahead rather than what 2025 will look like. Multiple reports suggest that, even if NASCAR revokes its characters, there will be a 23XI car (or cars) at the track in 2025.
Bianchi’s recent report tells us that the rumor mill and Silly Season for 23XI and FRM are still open. However, while that doesn’t provide much clarity on the future, it does give a glimpse into a potentially bright future for both teams.
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