23XI Racing has decided to withdraw its appeal against the penalties imposed by NASCAR following controversial Martinsville race manipulation.
This decision comes in the wake of substantial fines and suspensions levied against multiple teams for alleged race manipulation, a situation that has stirred considerable discussion within the NASCAR community.
The penalties were a direct result of actions taken during the Xfinity 500, where race strategies and on-track maneuvers raised eyebrows and led to accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Martinsville race, held on November 3, 2024, was marked by intense competition, particularly for the final spot in the Championship 4. Christopher Bell and William Byron were embroiled in a fierce battle that culminated in Bell’s disqualification due to a maneuver deemed unsafe by NASCAR officials.
Bell’s attempt to gain an advantage by using the wall for momentum was ruled a violation of safety protocols, which ultimately cost him a chance at the championship. This incident not only altered the outcome for Bell but also triggered a broader investigation into the conduct of other drivers involved in Martinsville race manipulation.
READ ALSO: NASCAR suspends nine and issues $600k in fines over Martinsville race manipulation
NASCAR’s response was swift and severe as it imposed fines totaling $600,000 and suspended nine team members across three teams: 23XI Racing, Richard Childress Racing (RCR), and Trackhouse Racing. Each team faced a $100,000 fine and a deduction of 50 points from their standings.
Key personnel from these teams, including crew chiefs and spotters, received one-race suspensions as part of the penalties. The implications of these actions were profound, reshaping the competitive landscape just days before the season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
In light of these developments, both 23XI Racing and Richard Childress Racing announced their intentions to appeal the penalties arguing their actions did not constitute violations of NASCAR’s member code of conduct.
However, as tensions mounted and discussions intensified within the organization, 23XI Racing ultimately chose to rescind its appeal.
“After internal deliberations, 23XI has decided not to appeal NASCAR’s decision to penalize the No. 23 team,” the team said on Wednesday. “We disagree with the penalty ruling and strongly believe we did not break any rules at Martinsville.
“It is our conclusion that it is in our best interests, and those of our team members, partners and fans to fully devote our personnel and resources this week toward the championship and not an appeal.”
The withdrawal came just as NASCAR was preparing to expedite hearings for all pending appeals over Martinsville race manipulation ahead of the championship race weekend.
This decision indicates a strategic pivot by 23XI Racing as they navigate not only their immediate penalties but also an ongoing legal dispute with NASCAR regarding the charter system—a separate but equally contentious issue impacting their operations.
