Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick have both had strong seasons in 2025, securing positions in the NASCAR playoffs with competitive performances on the track. Despite their individual success, 23XI Racing, owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, faces significant challenges after losing its charter status amid an ongoing legal battle with NASCAR. Former NASCAR driver Kevin Harvick criticized the team’s situation, emphasizing how the legal dispute is affecting the drivers’ focus and mindset during the season.
Midway through 2025, 23XI Racing lost an appeal for its charter, a decision that threatens the team’s presence in future seasons. While both Wallace and Reddick have remained focused on racing, Harvick expressed concerns about the psychological toll the legal issues have taken on them. According to Harvick, the drivers are more annoyed by the controversy than anyone else because their primary goal is to compete on the track without distractions.
Harvick on the Pressure Faced by Wallace and Reddick Amid Legal Troubles
Kevin Harvick explained that both Wallace and Reddick signed with 23XI Racing to race competitively, but the ongoing legal drama has forced them to deal with unwanted questions and media attention. This situation has diverted their focus from racing to legal matters, which Harvick believes is frustrating for the drivers. He stressed that the distraction stems from the media pushing the drivers to comment on issues unrelated to their performance.
“I think that the two drivers are probably annoyed more than anything, because they just want to race. They signed up to race, they signed up to go out there and do their job and they’re having to answer questions about stuff that they don’t want to answer questions about, So, at this point, it’s annoying, I’m sure, that they have to deal with it.” —Kevin Harvick, former NASCAR driver
Harvick’s remarks underscore how the legal battle extends beyond the team’s management, seeping into the mental preparation and confidence of the drivers. Both Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick are in the midst of their championship runs, but the legal cloud hanging over 23XI Racing complicates their ability to concentrate fully on the race season.
Uncertainty Looms for 23XI Racing and Its Drivers
The outcome of the legal dispute, with a trial hearing scheduled for December 1, will significantly influence 23XI Racing’s future. Losing charter status could limit the team’s ability to compete in the 2026 season, placing both Wallace and Reddick in precarious positions despite their strong on-track showings this year. Harvick voiced his concern that the continued legal battles might worsen the situation for the drivers if the team fails to maintain its charter.
Despite the looming uncertainty, both drivers have performed well in the 2025 season. Their playoff positions remain solid, giving them a promising chance to advance through the rounds, but the legal matters threaten the stability needed to maintain this success in upcoming seasons.
Harvick Points Out Different Levels of Distraction Within 23XI Racing
Kevin Harvick also noted that the distraction caused by the legal battle is not uniform across the team. While drivers Wallace and Reddick feel the pressure directly, the team co-owner, Denny Hamlin, experiences the controversy in a different way, as he is more involved in the business and ownership aspects rather than day-to-day racing duties. Harvick highlighted this distinction, emphasizing the emotional strain on the drivers who are not involved in ownership decisions.
“It is a distraction. It’s not the same distraction for Denny Hamlin as it is for Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, because they’re not vested in the ownership of the team and restructuring the league.” —Kevin Harvick, former NASCAR driver
This distinction presents a unique challenge within 23XI Racing, as the drivers must channel their energies solely on-track while being pulled into off-track controversies beyond their control. Meanwhile, ownership navigates the business and legal aspects, which can create different stressors for different team members.
Wallace and Reddick’s Performance Amid Team Uncertainty
Despite the distractions from their team’s legal issues, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick continue to deliver strong performances throughout the season. Both drivers have secured playoff spots and appear poised to advance beyond the initial rounds, showing resilience amid turbulent circumstances. Their ability to focus on racing and maximize points remains a bright spot for 23XI Racing during an otherwise trying time.
Their progression through the playoffs will be critical in defining their futures and the team’s trajectory, especially if the legal problems with NASCAR remain unresolved after 2025. How they perform under this pressure will reveal much about their mental toughness and talent, even as off-track issues persist.
Potential Implications of the Legal Dispute for NASCAR and 23XI Racing
The ongoing legal dispute between NASCAR and 23XI Racing has broader implications for the sport. The outcome could set precedents affecting team charter rights and ownership structures. For drivers like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, the stakes are particularly high, as their careers and championship opportunities could be impacted depending on how the situation unfolds.
Kevin Harvick’s comments bring attention to the tension and frustration spreading beyond legal filings and into the minds of drivers, highlighting the complex consequences such disputes have on performance and morale. The resolution of the case will be watched closely by fans and industry insiders alike, as it may influence the landscape of NASCAR moving forward.
