A Dark Day at Charlotte
NASCAR announced on Tuesday that it has placed Evanna Howell, a senior account manager for 23XI Racing, on indefinite suspension following a disturbing episode that unfolded on Saturday afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
According to local authorities, Howell allegedly drove a golf cart into a 77‑year‑old spectator, causing a deep laceration that required immediate medical attention. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital and later reported to be in stable condition.
The incident prompted an arrest and a criminal charge of assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury. Howell was booked at the Cabarrus County jail and released two days later after posting a $125,000 bond.
Howell has been with 23XI Racing since 2021, a team co‑owned by former NBA star Michael Jordan and veteran driver Denny Hamlin. Her role involved overseeing sponsor relations and event coordination for the organization.
Neither NASCAR nor 23XI Racing has issued a public statement regarding the investigation, leaving many observers to wonder about the future of Howell’s career and the potential impact on the team’s reputation.
The episode adds to a growing list of concerns about workplace conduct in the high‑stakes world of professional motorsports, where the line between competition and hospitality can blur.