NASCAR Executives Express Concerns Over SRX Participation in Antitrust Case
NASCAR executives disclosed their discontent regarding the participation of its drivers in the now-discontinued Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series, according to recently unsealed text messages linked to an ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports. The trial is set to begin on December 1.
The SRX series, founded by Tony Stewart and Ray Evernham, debuted in 2021 and featured drivers across various disciplines racing in identical cars on short oval tracks. Held each summer for six weeks, it garnered television coverage from ESPN and CBS before ceasing operations after the 2024 season. Earlier this year, some of its assets were sold to GMS Race Cars.
The series allowed NASCAR drivers to compete on Saturday nights, facilitating participation alongside their primary racing commitments. Notable NASCAR participants included Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Denny Hamlin, and Kyle Busch, with Elliott and Busch each securing two victories.
As tensions between NASCAR and its teams escalate, insights from the anti-competitive claims may reshape the landscape of driver participation across various series in the future. The unsealed communications have raised critical questions regarding NASCAR’s governance and its impact on driver choice.
