Kevin Harvick Slams Curtis Polk’s Charter Protest at Darlington: ‘Antagonizing Isn’t a Tactic’

Kevin Harvick has openly criticized Curtis Polk’s recent protest at Darlington, calling out the tactic as counterproductive. The investor in 23XI Racing made headlines when he pinned a protest note to his shirt during the NASCAR race at Darlington, addressing the contentious negotiations over charters.

The note read, “Please don’t ask me about my Charter. I don’t want to disparage NASCAR and lose it.”

This comes amidst an intense period of negotiation between NASCAR and its Cup Series teams.

Harvick did not mince words during his “Happy Hour” podcast:

“I don’t like it. 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.”

Further comments came from Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, who discussed it on his “Actions Detrimental” podcast.

Hamlin revealed that a new anti-disparagement clause has been introduced in the recent charter proposals, which stops team members and other affiliates from speaking negatively about NASCAR.

Reflecting on Polk’s actions, Hamlin said:

“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. 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.”

There are ongoing tensions surrounding the charter negotiations, which have seen varied reactions from teams. According to Adam Stern of Sports Business , NASCAR aims to wrap up a new charter agreement with Cup Series teams by the end of the week, despite notable frustrations. Stern reported mixed responses from teams to sign the latest proposals, with some appearing likely to agree, while others remain hesitant.

Hamlin’s skepticism about the immediacy of a deal was evident at the Cup Series Playoff Media Day.

In an interview with Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports, he expressed doubt:

“I do not believe we’re close,” before adding, “Some think we are, and some think we aren’t.”

The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of these charter negotiations. While some teams may be ready to sign, others will likely push for further changes.

NASCAR Cup Series: Cook Out Southern 500 At Darlington Raceway Results

1. Chase Elliott – Running
2. Ryan Preece – Running
3. Austin Cindric – Running
4. Brad Keselowski – Running
5. Austin Dillon – Running
6. Bubba Wallace – Running
7. Todd Gilliland – Running
8. Daniel Suárez – Running
9. Alex Bowman – Running
10. Ty Gibbs – Running
11. Harrison Burton – Running
12. Ricky Stenhouse Jr – Running
13. Zane Smith – Running
14. Erik Jones – Running
15. John H. Nemechek – Running
16. Shane Van Gisbergen – Running
17. Justin Haley – Running
18. Michael McDowell – Running
19. Daniel Hemric – Running
20. William Byron – Accident
21. Josh Berry – Accident
22. Noah Gragson – Accident
23. Carson Hocevar – Accident
24. Kaz Grala – Running
25. Timmy Hill – Steering
26. Martin Truex Jr – Accident
27. Ryan Blaney – Accident