Since 23XI Racing chose to defy NASCAR in not signing the charter agreement deal, Bubba Wallace’s future was up in the air. 23XI Racing has been at the forefront of the charter negotiation, and the battle between the two has gone public in the last few weeks. Now, NASCAR could seize the team’s two charters, #23 and #45, leaving them in a rough spot to line up next year. Which would lead to nervous energy among the drivers and crews working in the team.

Bubba Wallace was concerned about his NASCAR future given the uncertain circumstances he found himself in with his team’s defiance stance. “My process has been going hand-in-hand with the charter agreement, so it’s frustrating to see where we’re at because that impacts my life and livelihood and everything moving forward for my future.” Wallace was in his contract year, and due to this rift between NASCAR and his team, his contract renewal took a backseat.

However, his doubts and worst fears were put to bed by his team, as they announced that he has signed a new multi-year extension. “From day one, Bubba has been an integral part of 23XI. We’re excited to announce that he has signed a multi-year renewal and will continue to play a key role in helping 23XI grow and succeed. #ForwardTogether.” The 23XI Racing shared this on the team’s social media platforms.

This was indeed a surprise for the fans who believed Bubba Wallace’s extension hinged on the outcome of the charter negotiations. Although 23XI Racing hasn’t cleared its stance on the charter talks, fans believe that the two parties have finally come to terms. Soon after, social media was abuzz with such comments and interesting takes on Wallace’s extension.

Fans trying to connect the dots after Bubba Wallace’s renewal

Denny Hamlin was pretty tight-lipped last week before the Watkins Glen race when asked about any progress in their talks with NASCAR. Given how outspoken the co-owners have been, it is indeed hard to think that the France family would agree on a compromise and ink a new deal with the 23XI Racing team. This news certainly has got hopes up for a few fans regarding the stalled charter deal. “This seems like good news with the charter agreement.”

23XI Racing demanded fairgrounds through which they could resolve the differences in extending the charter deal. Given how tense the situation was, the two parties had to agree to a compromise, one that could serve the sport well. Although there’s no confirmation regarding this positive outcome. Wallace’s renewal was enough for fans to believe that 23XI Racing had signed the deal with NASCAR. “They’re definitely signing the charter agreement.”

However, NASCAR insider and reporter Bob Pockrass shed light on the situation, tackling the question regarding the equation between NASCAR and 23XI. “I would not read into the Bubba Wallace contract extension as meaning 23XI signed the charter deal. If anything, maybe had to tweak some contract language.”

There’s also a scenario of NASCAR deciding to outcast the two teams in case they don’t sign the charter deal. NASCAR could force the team’s hand into signing with the fear of losing out on their charters. Or worse, sell them to the other teams. There is an option for 23XI Racing to field open cars, as we have seen during the Daytona 500 or other big events. But again, the financial burden of doing that without the charters is a big worry, even for someone like Michael Jordan. Expressing this sentiment, a user on X wrote, “Soooooo will they have charters or ???”

Wallace isn’t out of the woods just yet. There could be a situation where the charter talks between his team and NASCAR go south. While he does have a contract with his team, it will be difficult for them to manage and operate with the financial backing of NASCAR and a share of the TV revenue. Curious by this decision, a fan shared a similar take on X. “What’s he going to do for them after their charters run out?”

What are your thoughts on this move by 23XI Racing? Are they really making progress with the charter agreement, or is it just the safety leaver to keep their driver’s future secure?