“Need to put a knife in this trash series.”
In 2021, the SRX series made its debut. The series was founded by NASCAR Cup Series champion Tony Stewart and crew chief Ray Evernham. Sandy Montag and George Pyne were also co-owners of the series.
The stock car division brought in a superstar roster. They had names like Chase Elliott, Bill Elliott, Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Kyle Busch and more.
The series ran on Saturday nights, in many cases, with direct competition to the NASCAR Xfinity Series. They had a TV deal with CBS and at times, pulled in greater numbers than Xfinity.
Now, as the 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports lawsuit against NASCAR is heading to trial on December 1st, text messages have surfaced. NASCAR wasn’t pleased with SRX…
NASCAR wasn’t happy Justin Marks ran SRX
The following messages are from June 29, 2022:
Steve O’Donnell: “Ummm. Justin Marks is racing srx?”
Ben Kennedy: “Saw that too. Disappointing.”
(Redacted name): “They just don’t get it – I’m sure it’s cool for Justin to get behind the wheel, but there’s no regard for the bigger picture. And maybe that’s on us for not giving them that incentive, I don’t know. But, you’ve now got Marks, Chase, Tony and Blaney racing on a network that completes against our rights holders.”
(Redacted name): “They outrated Xfinity and Trucks last weekend, it isn’t some local dirt track stuff.”
Steve O’Donnell: “Actually, you have one of the voices of Fox in Waltrip, an owner of multiple cup cars in Stewart, our most popular driver for years and one of our champs fathers etc.”
“This is exhibit “A” that nobody gives a shit about what got them their careers. Pay em some money and they are all in. They guy who cried about safety every single day is in a box car without safer barriers and not a care in the world.”
“And by the way-who does Curtis have hanging with MJ over the weekend in Nashville-not Ben or me or prime or anyone-Marty Smith from ESPN. Coincidence? Lots to get our arms around but sadly and ‘goodwill’ seems to be lost. So-smiles all around but behind the scenes we scheme and we win.”
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NASCAR was worried Dale Earnhardt Jr would race SRX
Steve O’Donnell: “Wait til Junior says he is running an event. Matter of time. They will go to N Wilkesboro with SM and Junior if we are not careful. We need to be the first back.”
(Redacted): “Agreed. N Wilkesboro and Bowman Gray next year with Junior and friends if we don’t make moves.”
Steve O’Donnell: How about this for an All-Star-make it a combo-Bowman and N Wilkes Fri/Sun.”
(Redacted): “We’ve got moves to make, just need to sell them through – should be a good working session Thursday.”
(Redacted): “But, need to convince Board that threats are real and we need to be bold (easier said than done.)”
Steve O’Donnell: “That’s the key – we need to have everyone understand that this could turn into LIV if we don’t play our cards right. We are smarter than they are – but part of the issue is they don’t have the facts and don’t seem to want to take the time to learn or maybe they just don’t care. It’s all about the money and feeling like they have been heard and are respected.”
“The SRX thing is just baffling to me. Why don’t they get it – oh, they do get it and it’s a huge FU to us.”
NASCAR lawsuit opened by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports
NASCAR was later displeased that Denny Hamlin ran with SRX
The following messages are from February 1, 2023:
In 2023, Denny Hamlin announced his would be racing with the SRX Series. NASCAR didn’t like it…
(Redacted name): “Oh great, another owner racing in SRX”
Steve O’Donnell: “This is NASCAR. Pure and simple. Enough. We need legal to take a shot at this.”
Steve Phelps: “These guys are just plain stupid. Need to put a knife in this trash series.”
SRX ran their last race in 2023.
SRX abruptly postpones 2024 season
