A routine afternoon at Charlotte Motor Speedway turned violent when Evanna Howell, a senior account manager for 23XI Racing, mistakenly reversed a golf cart and struck a 77‑year‑old pedestrian.
The collision, which occurred at approximately 1:49 p.m. on the sprawling complex in North Carolina, left the victim, Dennis Manchester, with serious injuries that required immediate hospitalization.
Howell was subsequently charged with one felony count of assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury and was ordered held on a $125,000 bond, with a probable cause hearing scheduled for June 16.
NASCAR’s Response
NASCAR announced an indefinite suspension of Howell, citing a breach of its behavioral standards, while 23XI Racing, the team co‑owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, confirmed that she had been placed on administrative leave.
The incident has reignited discussions about safety protocols for auxiliary vehicles used on track grounds, with officials promising a review of cart‑traffic procedures at major venues.
As the legal process moves forward, the case underscores the unexpected risks that can emerge in a sport often associated with high‑speed competition, and it remains to be seen how the upcoming court appearance will influence both the individual’s future and the broader culture of safety within NASCAR.