Tensions intensified over the Denny Hamlin NASCAR charter lawsuit during the Roval race weekend, as court battles drew focus away from the track itself. With most team owners reportedly backing NASCAR’s stance to maintain its charter system, Hamlin’s startling accusation has now cast new uncertainty over the ongoing legal fight.
Hamlin Claims Team Owners Were Pressured by NASCAR
The lawsuit, brought by 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin, and Bob Jenkins’ Front Row Motorsports (FRM), has seen mounting resistance from NASCAR and fellow team owners. In a series of statements, owners expressed their wish to protect the charter system, helping NASCAR present a strong, collective front in court. NASCAR responded with arguments pushing for the case’s dismissal, contending that no team has tried to start a rival series, that current charter rules do not harm competition or consumers, and that the plaintiffs’ definition of the market is too restricted to be relevant.
Despite appearing cornered, Hamlin struck a defiant note after Saturday’s events, suggesting there was more to team owner statements than met the eye. Speaking out, Hamlin declared that these pronouncements may have actually given his side unexpected momentum.
“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.”
— Denny Hamlin, Team Co-owner
This remark came as Hamlin addressed Bob Pockrass on the implications of NASCAR submitting declarations from multiple team owners urging the lawsuit’s resolution and support for the charter system. The directness of Hamlin’s claim — that team owners were asked to back NASCAR — suggested possible behind-the-scenes maneuvering by the governing body.
Charter Lawsuit Takes a Toll on 23XI Racing and FRM
The dispute emerged after both 23XI Racing and FRM opted not to sign NASCAR’s new charter agreement, resulting in a high-stakes legal battle. NASCAR’s strategy, built on robust legal and public statements, has managed to keep both teams on the defensive. The court’s preliminary decisions have not favored Hamlin or Jenkins; as a result, the two teams have lost their coveted charter status and are now classified as open entries in the Cup Series. This drastic shift has had financial and operational consequences.
Not only have these teams lost guaranteed spots and income, but running multiple cars as open entries has also severely strained their resources. The sense of isolation is worsened by the apparent unity among other team owners and NASCAR’s assertive tactics. With both teams’ racing futures now hinging on the outcome of the ongoing jury trial, the situation’s gravity cannot be overstated.
Future Uncertain Amidst Talk of Major Exits
As losses mount and their path forward grows more tenuous, 23XI Racing and FRM have few alternatives left, intensifying their hope for relief in court. Meanwhile, industry observers like Bob Pockrass have commented on the possibility of a dramatic exit by 23XI Racing, reminiscent of Chip Ganassi Racing’s departure from NASCAR.
These events, shadowing the racing action at Roval, have left Denny Hamlin’s NASCAR charter lawsuit at the center of a heated, emotionally charged debate about power dynamics and fairness within the sport. The ramifications of this legal battle could influence the future structure of race teams, the authority of NASCAR, and perhaps even the makeup of the Cup Series itself — making the outcome critical for all involved parties.
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
