Brad Keselowski pushes back on threat narrative regarding NASCAR charter agreement

Today there has been a lot flying around regarding the NASCAR charter agreement. Brad Keselowski is giving his side. As co-owner of RFK Racing, Keselowski is throwing water on some of the more fiery accusations today.

It was reported today that all of the Cup Series charter holders had signed an agreement with NASCAR, except for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. 23XI even released a statement on the matter.

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There were also reports that teams were “coerced and threatened” with possibly losing their charters if they did not sign by NASCAR’s deadline of Friday night. Brad Keselowski addressed the topic today after qualifying.

“Certainly respect their [23XI, FRM] decision-making ability,” Keselowski said, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.

The RFK driver-owner continued.

“You know, for us, we felt it was right to do a deal and move forward.”

As far as the “threat” or “forced” narrative that has started today, he pushed back on that notion.

“Well, I don’t necessarily know where that’s coming from. Forced is a really strong term, but we are 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.

“We’re certainly glad to see the sport perpetuate, you know right now the sport lives and dies off the media rights deal. There’s no getting around that. So, when the media rights deal got done this winter, that was a big, big deal for the sport, and now you’re seeing the dominoes falling behind that, but don’t forget what the first domino is.”

Brad Keselowski addresses charter negotiations

During these negotiations, 23XI Racing has been outspoken. Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk understand how other professional sports leagues operate. So, they are trying to bring some of that to NASCAR for the benefit of teams.

Brad Keselowski addressed those comparisons as well to the NFL, NBA, and others.

“There’s a lot of comparison between NASCAR and the other sports leagues. You know, I think this industry is looking over its shoulder at the NFL and NBA and so forth and seeing their situation continue to dramatically improve and we all want the same. And you know, that sets an expectation or a standard that I think drives some of those negotiations.”

So, there are two narratives here. While 23XI and Front Row hold out, other teams have already signed. Who is telling the truth and where does this go from here? That remains to be seen.