Denny Hamlin responded this week to a significant setback dealt to 23XI Racing by the U.S. Court of Appeals in the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit. Despite the risk that both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could lose their charters within weeks, Hamlin maintains confidence as his team prepares for the next legal chapter in Michigan and remains firmly committed to competing for the season. Denny Hamlin responds to NASCAR lawsuit court ruling with resolve amid uncertainty over team charters and legal proceedings.
Earlier, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports secured several favorable decisions from the district court, which had required NASCAR to acknowledge both teams as holding charters and to allow the sale of two Stewart-Haas Racing charters to them. However, with the recent court of appeals ruling, those gains are now at risk, and NASCAR may soon be able to revoke the charters. The looming possibility places added pressure on both organizations as their future participation in NASCAR hangs in the balance.
Speaking with the media in Michigan, Hamlin displayed a composed stance about the latest legal development.
“We remain very confident in our case for December 1st [trial],”
Hamlin explained, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports.
“We’re confident in it, we feel like facts are on our side, and I think if you listen to the judges, even they mention that we might be in pretty good shape.”
—Denny Hamlin, Team Co-Owner
23XI Racing Prepared to Compete as an Open Team
Hamlin made clear that if 23XI Racing must enter as an Open team, bypassing the security of a charter, his group is ready and willing. Such a scenario nearly occurred before a court-issued injunction in December, with both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports previously preparing to run as Open teams. This fallback plan remains in effect as the teams navigate the legal process.
“Same as what we said in December is that we’re committed to running this season open if we have to, even before they decided on the injunction,”
Hamlin continued.
“So, we’re going to race and fulfill all of our commitments no matter what. We’re here to race, our team is here for the long haul, and we’re confident in that.”
—Denny Hamlin, Team Co-Owner
Hamlin also addressed the next possible steps, outlining options to appeal the ruling to the entire panel of judges in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals or possibly seek a hearing from the Supreme Court. The legal team for 23XI Racing is currently evaluating all available courses of action, with a clear understanding that swift strategic decisions may be required amid the ongoing court proceedings.
Transparent Communication with Employees Amid Legal Uncertainty
The uncertainty surrounding the Stewart-Haas Racing charter, acquired by Hamlin’s organization, adds another layer of concern for the team. While the outcome of the appeals court decision could mean the loss of the newly purchased charter, Hamlin has made it a point to keep all 23XI Racing employees fully informed as circumstances develop.
“We’ve been very transparent with all of our employees during the entire process,”
Denny Hamlin said.
“Really, every time something comes along, we communicate that before it becomes public. So, we’ve been very transparent, and one of the things that we remain steadfast in is that nothing will change in their lives, and we’re going to make sure everyone’s taken care of, and everyone should plan on work as scheduled.”
—Denny Hamlin, Team Co-Owner
As for the status of the Stewart-Haas charter itself, Hamlin admitted there is limited clarity:
“We don’t know anything about that quite yet. Whatever it is, we’re going to do whatever they tell us to do.”
—Denny Hamlin, Team Co-Owner
What’s Next for 23XI Racing and the NASCAR Lawsuit
The coming weeks are pivotal as 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports await the court’s final decision on their charters. The team’s leadership, including Hamlin, is weighing all legal prospects while staying focused on their commitment to employees and to staying competitive on the track. If the charters are revoked, the organization will race as an Open team, continuing their season as planned, while appeals and further legal action remain on the table. The outcome of this high-stakes legal battle stands to impact not just Hamlin’s organization, but the broader structure and future of NASCAR team operations.
