Kevin Harvick reacts to 23XI investor Curtis Polk’s NASCAR charter sign at Darlington: ‘Don’t like it’

Kevin Harvick wasn’t a fan of 23XI Racing investor Curtis Polk pinning a piece of paper on the back of his shirt at Darlington this past Sunday which read, “Please don’t ask me about my Charter. I don’t want to disparage NASCAR and lose it.”

Harvick, speaking on his “Happy Hour” podcast Tuesday, said while he doesn’t know all the details of where charter negotiations stand, he doesn’t believe “antagonizing is a good negotiating tactic.”

“I don’t like it,” Harvick said. “I don’t know all the details of everything that’s going on, but I’ve never felt antagonizing is a good negotiating tactic. Don’t like it. … Not impressed.”

23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin revealed on Monday’s “Actions Detrimental” podcast that NASCAR inserted an anti-disparagement clause into drafts of the recent charter proposals. Hamlin didn’t want to dive too deep into Polk’s decision to wear the shirt, adding he was surprised to see he did it.

“I would choose not to speak about [Polk’s shirt], but it kind of speaks for itself, and I can’t believe he actually wore that,” Hamlin said. “They do not want you speaking negatively, that’s a new add to the charter agreement. We’ll see how that goes. NASCAR’s got their stance and the teams have there’s. We’ll just see where this goes the next few weeks.”

Polk’s message was the latest sign of frustration from teams as charter negotiations continue, as they’ve done for more than two years. Adam Stern of Sports Business Journal reported Tuesday that NASCAR is hoping to reach an agreement on a new governing charter system with its Cup Series teams this week.

Denny Hamlin reacts to NASCAR owners, executives believing charter agreement is close

The sanctioning body wants to wrap up its new charter deal to avoid having talks spill over throughout the 10-race playoffs. Teams received the latest charter proposal last week and Stern noted in his report that “some teams appear to be at a point, or nearing a point, where they’ll be ready to sign NASCAR’s offer.” But there’s still more work needed to push the charter agreement over the finish line, according to Hamlin.

Hamlin told Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports at Cup Series Playoff Media Day Wednesday he does not believe a deal is imminent.

“I do not believe we’re close,” Hamlin said.

When Pockrass pushed back on the notion, stating that he’s “heard from some owners/executives who said they feel it is close,” Hamlin elaborated on his thoughts, adding, “Some think we are, and some think we aren’t.”