Breaking:Denny Hamlin Remains Optimistic Amid 23XI Racing’s Legal Battle with NASCAR…read more
Denny Hamlin speaks out on 23XI Racing’s ongoing lawsuit against NASCAR, expressing confidence despite a critical court hearing that could impact the team’s charter status and future in the Cup Series.
As legal tensions rise between 23XI Racing and NASCAR, co-owner Denny Hamlin has broken his silence regarding the team’s ongoing lawsuit and a recent court hearing that could have major implications for his organization and Front Row Motorsports (FRM).
This past Friday, the two racing teams were back in court, facing an appeal hearing centered around their charter status—an issue that could dramatically shift their future in the NASCAR Cup Series. While the hearing itself suggested potential trouble ahead, Hamlin and his team remain positive about their chances.
What’s at Stake?
At the core of the legal drama is the charter agreement—a system that essentially guarantees race entries and revenue-sharing rights for chartered teams. Both 23XI Racing, co-owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, and FRM have been granted charter status. However, that status now hangs in the balance due to NASCAR’s appeal.
If the appellate judges reverse the previous ruling and strip the teams of their charters, they could be forced to enter races as open teams. This would mean no guaranteed starts and increased financial uncertainty. Worse still, high-profile drivers whose contracts are tied to charter guarantees might be allowed to walk away.
Hamlin Confident Despite Legal Turbulence
Hamlin wasn’t in court on Friday due to preparations for the upcoming race at Kansas Speedway. However, during media rounds after qualifying on Saturday, he shared insights based on what his legal team and representatives relayed from the courtroom.
“I didn’t hear the hearing live,” Hamlin admitted, “but the team has kept me updated. Overall, we’re still pretty confident in our case.”
He emphasized that Friday’s hearing wasn’t about the overall merits of the lawsuit, but rather focused on whether the two teams can keep their charter status during the ongoing legal battle. The ruling on that specific injunction will determine whether they can continue racing under their current status while the case proceeds through the courts.
A Push for Mediation
While the judges haven’t issued a final decision, the panel did strongly hint that a reversal of the previous ruling could be on the table. Judge Steven Agee encouraged both sides to consider mediation to reach a settlement out of court, suggesting that continued litigation could be avoided with compromise.
Still, optimism for a peaceful resolution appears slim. NASCAR’s attorney Chris Yates made it clear that the organization isn’t willing to bend on the foundational charter structure, stating, “We’re not going to rewrite the charter.”
The Road Ahead
For now, things remain in a holding pattern. “The judges haven’t made any kind of ruling,” Hamlin reiterated. “So until they do, we’re going to stay status quo.”
That means 23XI and FRM will continue operating as charter teams—at least for the moment. But with no ruling yet and mediation looking unlikely, the future is uncertain. If the court sides with NASCAR, it could reshape the NASCAR team model and spark even broader changes in the sport’s competitive and business landscape.
For Hamlin, the focus stays on racing—but the shadow of the courtroom looms large.
