A member of Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, has been arrested following a serious incident involving a golf cart at Charlotte Motor Speedway. The case, which reportedly left a 77-year-old man with significant injuries, has prompted swift action from both authorities and the racing organization.
Evanna Howell, a senior account manager with 23XI Racing, was taken into custody after allegedly striking the elderly man with a golf cart during an event at the North Carolina track. The incident has since raised concerns about safety protocols and staff conduct at high-profile racing venues.
What Reportedly Happened at the Track
Police reports cited by The California Post, as referenced in TMZ’s coverage, indicate that Howell was driving the golf cart in the wrong direction at the time of the incident. Authorities allege that she attempted to maneuver the vehicle, struck a curb, and ultimately collided with the victim.
The impact reportedly forced the man into a fence before the golf cart ran over him, resulting in serious injuries. Emergency services transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment. The extent of his injuries has not been fully disclosed, but they were described as significant.
The incident occurred at Charlotte Motor Speedway, a major venue on the NASCAR calendar, adding further attention to the case due to its high-profile setting.
Arrest and Legal Charges
Following the incident, Howell was arrested and charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury. Under North Carolina law, a vehicle can be classified as a deadly weapon depending on how it is used, which explains the severity of the charge.
Online records show that Howell was later released from custody after posting a $125,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on June 16, where further details about the case are expected to emerge.
At this stage, the allegations remain under investigation, and no final legal conclusions have been reached.
23XI Racing Responds Quickly
23XI Racing, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, has responded to the situation by suspending Howell indefinitely. NASCAR has also confirmed the suspension, indicating that the matter is being taken seriously within the organization.
The team has not issued a detailed public statement beyond confirming the suspension, but the move suggests an effort to distance itself from the incident while the investigation is ongoing.
Given the high-profile nature of 23XI Racing, which has become one of the more visible teams in NASCAR since its formation, the situation has attracted widespread attention within the motorsports community.
Spotlight on Safety at Racing Venues
Incidents involving golf carts and other service vehicles are not uncommon at large sporting venues, but serious accidents remain relatively rare. This case has renewed discussions about safety procedures, particularly in areas where both staff and spectators are present.
Charlotte Motor Speedway regularly hosts large crowds and multiple support vehicles during events, making coordination and adherence to safety guidelines critical. While it is not yet clear whether any broader safety issues contributed to the incident, the case may lead to increased scrutiny of operational protocols.
