A quiet weekend turned chaotic
On the afternoon of May 23, a routine golf‑cart maneuver at Charlotte Motor Speedway escalated into a violent confrontation that left a 77‑year‑old spectator injured.
Evanna Howell, a 35‑year‑old employee of 23XI Racing, was behind the wheel of the cart when she collided with the elderly man, reportedly after a dispute over parking.
According to police reports, the impact was forceful enough to qualify as assault with a deadly weapon, prompting immediate intervention by security personnel.
Howell was taken into custody at the Cabarrus County jail and later released on a $125,000 bond, with a court appearance scheduled for June 16.
The incident has reignited discussions about safety protocols for auxiliary vehicles on track grounds, especially as NASCAR continues to expand its fan‑engagement activities.
The team at 23XI Racing, co‑owned by former driver Denny Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan, has yet to comment publicly on the arrest.
NASCAR officials confirmed that Howell has been suspended pending a review, underscoring the series’ zero‑tolerance stance on conduct that threatens public safety.
While the championship battle continues with drivers such as Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick representing the organization on the circuit, the off‑track episode serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that accompany corporate sponsorships.
Legal experts predict that the upcoming hearing could set a precedent for how similar incidents are handled within the sport’s regulatory framework.