Denny Hamlin has confirmed that 23XI Racing, at the center of the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit, will continue competing regardless of the impending legal decision impacting their charter status. The 23XI Racing team joined Front Row Motorsports in filing a fresh restraining order and a new preliminary injunction against NASCAR, seeking to retain their charter rights for the upcoming seasons.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports Push Back Against NASCAR
This legal action was announced Monday, July 1, during the latest episode of Hamlin’s podcast where he outlined the present state of the dispute. Hamlin stated that the organizations are doing all they can to preserve their charter standing amid escalating pressure and uncertainty. Legal filings point to claims of monopolistic practices within NASCAR, as part of the basis for this urgent move against the racing authority.
“We obviously filed a new preliminary injunction, and we also found a restraining order against NASCAR,”
Denny Hamlin said on his show.
“Discoveries revealed a series of monopolistic acts. To kind of explain the restraining order, we’re seeking for them not to be able to take and then sell our charters.”
—Denny Hamlin, Owner/Driver
Hamlin assured concerned fans and team supporters that, regardless of the court’s decision on charter status, 23XI Racing will not cease operations. The possibility of losing the charter could force the team into competing as an “unchartered” entry—a move that comes with risks, such as missing races and losing critical championship points. Still, Hamlin appeared determined that the organization would stay the course.
“We’re going to race. Whether it be chartered or unchartered. Everything would be the same there. Obviously, if you miss a race, it makes it harder. You miss out on those points and so, hopefully it doesn’t come to that.”
—Denny Hamlin, Owner/Driver
Reports indicate that both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports could see their charters revoked as early as Wednesday, following a deadline set by a judge for NASCAR’s response. While the teams sought an accelerated reply, the judge extended the deadline to Wednesday, 5 pm ET, creating a tense wait for all parties involved.
Pressure Builds as Hamlin Balances Legal Battle and Racing Commitments
Hamlin, who is simultaneously handling legal and racing pressures, returned from the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma, held July 13, where he finished 20th. His teammates—Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs—also competed strongly, securing fifth, second, and seventh places, respectively. The recent event marked the 20th race of the season, adding stress to an already tumultuous period for the organization.
Retirement Speculation and Hall of Fame Perspectives
At 45, Hamlin faces questions about his long-term future as a competitive driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. Given that most NASCAR drivers scale back in their late 40s, speculation about his retirement is gaining traction. NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., who also owns an Xfinity Series team, offered candid thoughts last month on Hamlin’s potential career moves beyond driving full-time.
“If he still wins three races, is he really going to retire if he’s still winning?”
Dale Jr. said in a statement (via Newsweek). :You don’t think he’ll be lured to go drive for his own team for a little while?” —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hall of Famer
“I think he has a plan in his mind when he thinks he’s going to retire, but I think that he’s going to find out when he gets to that doorstep, it’s going to be harder to do than he thinks,”
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added. —Dale Earnhardt Jr., Hall of Famer
Hamlin reached another milestone earlier this year with his 700th Cup start at Nashville Superspeedway. He currently sits fifth in the standings, accumulating 606 points, with nine top-five finishes and ten top-10 showings thus far in the season. This record solidifies his standing in a fiercely competitive field, even as off-track controversies swirl around 23XI Racing’s future in the sport.
Upcoming Events and What Lies Ahead
The next challenge for Hamlin and 23XI Racing will be the AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 at Dover Motor Speedway, scheduled for Sunday, July 20. The event will air on TNT Sports, with radio coverage available through PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. As the NASCAR lawsuit decision looms, all eyes remain on how the drama around the team’s charter status and Hamlin’s leadership will unfold, potentially shaping both the season and the sport’s future.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Denny Hamlin started racing full-time in the Cup Series in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing. Since then, he’s had an impressive career. He has achieved 51 wins in the Cup Series and won the Daytona 500 three times (in 2016, 2019, and 2020). Throughout his career, he has also made millions of dollars.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is engaged to Jordan Fish. As a child, Fish loved dancing and it led her to dance for the NBA’s Charlotte Bobcats team. The name of this team has since been changed to the Charlotte Hornets. Fish first met Hamlin when she was performing at one of the Bobcats’ games.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million through his successful racing, profitable endorsements, team ownership, and smart property investments. Whether racing or managing his team, Hamlin consistently makes wise decisions in both areas.
Q. Are Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin friends?
A. Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan have maintained a friendship that spans many years.
