Denny Hamlin on NASCAR charter dispute became a focal point this week as the Joe Gibbs Racing driver shared his concerns regarding NASCAR’s treatment of teams who refused to sign the charter agreement, particularly following details surfacing about “Operation Gold Codes” during a court case in Charlotte. Hamlin, involved as co-owner of 23XI Racing, called the plan behind removing non-signing teams from competition “unfortunate” and remains troubled as legal tensions between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports continue.
Hamlin’s Reaction to “Operation Gold Codes” Details
After revelations of “Operation Gold Codes” were brought forward during ongoing court proceedings, Denny Hamlin addressed the development on social media and through NASCAR reporter Steven Taranto. While he did not outline the specifics of the plan, Hamlin was clear that he viewed the situation negatively.
“Yeah that’s very very unfortunate and obviously it’s… I don’t know how to explain it but it’s just not good and it’s certainly something that was unfortunate to see. That’s all I can really say about it,”
said Hamlin. —Denny Hamlin, Driver/Team Owner
The court documents indicated that “Operation Gold Codes” was explored as a mechanism to potentially remove teams who did not agree to the latest charter deal. These details emerged amid a larger dispute involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, both of whom declined to sign the charter agreement in September 2024 and have since sued NASCAR, citing concerns about monopolistic practices.
Courtroom Challenges and NASCAR’s Commitments
The ongoing legal battle took center stage at a hearing in Charlotte, presided over by Judge Kenneth Bell. The judge questioned NASCAR representatives about their reluctance to sell one of the series’ inactive charters instead of shifting those belonging to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, as well as their lack of a plan to reinstate teams’ charters if a court decision eventually favored them.
To address these points, NASCAR quickly submitted voluntary commitments to the court. The commitments included assurances not to issue, sell, or lease new charters during the 2025 Cup Series season, and confirmation that entries for 23XI and FRM cars would be maintained through the allocation of six open team slots listed in the rulebook. Additionally, NASCAR pledged not to transfer inactive Stewart-Haas Racing charters without explicit court approval.
For 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, the implications are immediate. The Charlotte Observer reported that the teams warned of potential irreparable harm—jeopardizing sponsorship deals and driver lineups—should they lose their charters while the lawsuit is unresolved. Their request for a preliminary injunction aims to keep them in the series as chartered teams through to the trial, set for December 2025. NASCAR, responding to the court, asserted that its pledges already address these concerns and sought to have the injunction denied.
Hamlin’s Perspective on the Lawsuit’s Broader Effect
Hamlin revisited the issue during the NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Media Day in Charlotte, discussing the additional challenges faced by his team amid the lawsuit. He acknowledged the burdens, indicating that everyone involved has to manage unique difficulties during the ongoing process, but he maintained an optimistic view of the future.
“I don’t know. It’s, you know, everyone has to deal with it. The team deals with it. You know, we have our own stuff that we’re having to deal with while going through this. But, you know, one thing’s for sure is 2026 will be better,”
Hamlin said (via Steven Taranto on X). —Denny Hamlin, Driver/Team Owner
NASCAR testified again in court that no additional charters would be distributed in 2025 and emphasized that six charters, active or inactive, would be reserved contingent on a legal ruling in favor of 23XI and Front Row Motorsports. The affected teams remain unconvinced, viewing these measures as insufficient to shield them from ongoing financial and competition risks.
Competitive Focus Amid Off-Track Drama
Despite the contentious legal situation, Denny Hamlin’s performance on the track has been resolute. He captured significant victories, securing the Cook Out 400 at Richmond by leading 274 laps, and following with a win at Darlington’s Goodyear 400 in April. Hamlin has also scored additional stage wins and pole positions throughout the year, keeping his name in playoff contention as the Cup Series season pushes forward.
Across his efforts both as a driver and team co-owner, Hamlin continues to balance the uncertainty surrounding the charter dispute with sustained competitive drive, underscoring the stakes for all parties as the legal process makes its way toward a trial in late 2025. The outcome could directly affect team structure, sponsorship stability, and the ongoing future of several high-profile NASCAR teams.
