Denny Hamlin isn’t mincing words as his race team 23XI finds itself on the brink of losing its guaranteed spot in NASCAR. After a federal judge denied a temporary restraining order that would have allowed 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to keep racing as chartered teams during a legal battle with NASCAR, Hamlin issued a bold statement: “All will be exposed.” The lawsuit—filed last year by 23XI, which is co-owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, and FRM owner Bob Jenkins—claims NASCAR is violating federal antitrust laws by controlling the charter system and unfairly pressuring teams to accept new terms.
Denny Hamlin Vows ‘All Will Be Exposed’ as NASCAR Lawsuit Turns Ugly originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Denny Hamlin isn’t mincing words as his race team 23XI finds itself on the brink of losing its guaranteed spot in NASCAR. After a federal judge denied a temporary restraining order that would have allowed 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to keep racing as chartered teams during a legal battle with NASCAR, Hamlin issued a bold statement: “All will be exposed.”
The lawsuit—filed last year by 23XI, which is co-owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, and FRM owner Bob Jenkins—claims NASCAR is violating federal antitrust laws by controlling the charter system and unfairly pressuring teams to accept new terms.
Of 15 teams offered contract extensions, only 23XI and FRM rejected the deal.
Now, with their six cars forced to run as “open entries,” the consequences are severe. Charters guarantee a weekly race spot and a base payout. Without them, teams risk losing revenue, sponsors, and playoff eligibility.
“If you want answers… com Dec. 1, you’ll get the answers you’re looking for,” Hamlin told reporters Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway. “All will be exposed.”
The stakes are immense. If more than 40 cars are entered at a race—something that could happen with six spots newly available—some team will have to qualify on speed. That adds risk for drivers like Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst, who race for 23XI.
Reddick has a clause allowing him to leave if the team loses its charter. He declined comment Saturday. Hamilton also avoided questions about Reddick’s future, but insisted his own focus remains on winning races.
Denny Hamlin says this will be his response to questions about 23XI running as an opened team:
— Noah Lewis (@Noah_Lewis1) July 19, 2025
“Come December 1…you will get the answers you’re looking for and all will be exposed…”
When asked about any regrets, Hamlin said “not a chance.”
He later added, “mark your… pic.twitter.com/fnE1fsaBNE
“Dec 1 is all that matters. Mark your calendar,” Hamlin said, hinting that the courtroom could be the next battleground for major reform in NASCAR.
If 23XI and FRM win their case, it could upend how NASCAR governs its team structure and decide whether two high-profile organizations stay in the sport.
Related: Denny Hamlin Crew Chief Explains Why Driver Was So Upset at Chicago
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: General Sports
