Brad Keselowski, co-owner of RFK Racing, has debunked allegations that NASCAR coerced teams into signing the new charter agreement, amid growing internal tension within the sport. The claims, which suggest that NASCAR applied undue pressure on teams to approve the deal, have sparked a metaphorical civil war in the racing world. Keselowski, however, has come forward to clear the air, insisting that no such force was applied.
In an interview with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, Keselowski said, “Forced is a really strong term. We’re getting to a spot where it’s important to get these things settled. We’re glad that the economics are improved and to go with where the media landscape has moved.”
At the center of the controversy is NASCAR’s recent $7.7 billion media rights deal, a critical factor in the formation of the charter agreement. Keselowski emphasized that the sport’s reliance on this deal is undeniable, stating, “The sport lives and dies off the media rights deal… that was a big, big deal for the sport.”
While most teams have signed the agreement, notable holdouts include 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM). NASCAR star Bubba Wallace, associated with 23XI Racing, expressed his frustration, as the situation has had a direct impact on his future. “It’s frustrating to see where we’re at because that impacts my life, my livelihood, and everything moving forward for my future,” Wallace said.
Keselowski, while acknowledging the decisions of the dissenting teams, stood firm in RFK Racing’s choice to support the agreement. “Certainly, respect their decision-making ability,” he said, “but for us, we felt it was right to do a deal and move forward.”
This disagreement highlights deeper issues within NASCAR, with significant implications for the sport’s future stability and growth.
