Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has maintained his position on the charter system despite recent court filings that feature statements from leading Cup Series teams. The discussion surrounding Hamlin’s charter system stance continues to play out as NASCAR and prominent team owners publicly align over the current rules, even as legal challenges persist in court.
Hamlin Responds to Court Submissions Backing the Charter System
NASCAR’s most recent submission to the court included statements from team owners such as Joe Gibbs, Rick Hendrick, and Richard Childress. These owners generally support the charter system, which provides teams with secured race entries. The system not only guarantees participation in every event, but also offers avenues for saving operational expenses and pursuing full race winnings.
The charter system’s supporters argue that these guarantees make it easier for teams to manage their finances and secure a viable business model in the Cup Series. Many teams have repeated their endorsement of the system as negotiations and disputes continue.
Denny Hamlin, however, remains unshaken by the support shown for the existing system. According to Hamlin, the recent filings and owner statements are less damaging to his arguments than his rivals may believe. Hamlin told Fox Sports analyst Bob Pockrass:
“You know, for them, I thought that it was truthfully more helpful for us than it was for them. But I mean, [the team owners] said they were asked to do it.”
This sentiment reflects Hamlin’s ongoing confidence in his challenge.
Legal Challenge Initiated by 23XI Racing and Bob Jenkins’ FRM
The battle over the charter system escalated when Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing and Bob Jenkins’ Front Row Motorsports (FRM) initiated a lawsuit against NASCAR, after refusing to sign the updated charter agreement in October 2024. The main accusation centers on allegations that NASCAR’s CEO, Jim France, has structured the sport in a way that limits competition and creates a de facto monopoly.
As one of the newer entrants in the Cup Series, 23XI Racing operates two full-time cars: the #23 Toyota Camry XSE driven by Bubba Wallace, and the #45 Toyota driven by Tyler Reddick. This further positions Hamlin at the heart of the ongoing debates, alongside historic names and teams.
Controversy on the Track: Kansas Speedway Incident
Off the track legal actions followed a dramatic race at Kansas Speedway on September 28, 2025, where Denny Hamlin’s performance generated additional scrutiny. Starting from the second position in his #11 Toyota Camry XSE, Hamlin quickly moved to the lead, outpacing his teammate Chase Briscoe. Over the course of the race, Hamlin clinched both stage victories and led 159 of the 273 laps, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR).
However, the race’s climax came in the final stage when Hamlin attempted a decisive move on Bubba Wallace during a crucial restart. Their Toyotas made contact, allowing Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott to seize the lead and ultimately win. The incident sparked fan outrage, with one comment posted online stating:
“I know a lot will bring up on how Bubba and Bell raced and how Denny raced Bubba are the same and while I understand that, I think what Denny did was more careless. With no power steering I feel like Denny drove it in with the mindset of “if he’s in the wall so be it”. Not only did he take himself out, he took out his driver and possibly a shot at any 23XI driver in the R8 and gave the win to a Chevy. Not smart.”
Hamlin fired back in response, explaining his perspective on the final lap tangle:
“Give me a break. I was off the gas and on the brakes 100yds before the 23 let off. I was turning as hard as I could given the aero situation. 11 team deserved that race. It didn’t work out.”
Hamlin’s Place in the Cup Series Landscape
Despite ongoing debates and the Kansas Speedway incident, Denny Hamlin remains a significant contender in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. He currently holds fourth place in the points table, separated from the elimination line by a 48-point margin. His season so far includes five victories, 16 top-ten finishes, 13 appearances in the top five, and three pole positions over 30 starts.
Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and other 23XI Racing members find themselves in the center of both competitive racing and legal wrangling, as prominent organizations like Hendrick Motorsports and Joe Gibbs Racing maintain a strong presence in the sport. Team owners like Rick Hendrick and Richard Childress continue to weigh in on the future of NASCAR’s most critical governance structures.
What Lies Ahead in the Charter System Debate
The conflict over NASCAR’s charter system, with figures like Denny Hamlin, Bob Jenkins, and Jim France involved, remains unresolved. The pending court case, driven by teams such as 23XI Racing and FRM, could have lasting consequences for how teams gain entry, share revenues, and exert influence over the sport’s direction. The next steps—whether shaped by legal decisions or further negotiations—promise to impact drivers, organizations, and fans alike as the Cup Series moves forward.
Denny Hamlin on NASCAR submitting declarations from several team owners urging to keep the charter system and for the lawsuit by his 23XI team and FRM against NASCAR to be resolved. pic.twitter.com/PmMadJgbgD
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 4, 2025
