Amid ongoing talks for a possible 23XI Racing NASCAR lawsuit settlement, Denny Hamlin has publicly dismissed claims of an imminent agreement in the high-profile antitrust case involving co-owners Michael Jordan and himself. As negotiations and legal filings intensify, both sides face increasing pressure to resolve the dispute before the scheduled December trial in the United States.
Hamlin Reacts Strongly to Reports Hinting at a Settlement
As speculation grew about 23XI Racing’s willingness to settle its federal lawsuit—filed in partnership with Front Row Motorsports—Denny Hamlin responded with a pointed social media message. Sports Business Journal’s Adam Stern reported that the team owners were open to discussions, prompting Hamlin’s response:
“Lol!! Hold my 🍺.” – Denny Hamlin, Co-owner
This brief yet pointed statement signaled a strong stance from Hamlin, suggesting his determination to pursue the case rather than settle at this point, even as Michael Jordan reportedly favored ending the dispute for the sake of the sport’s broader health. The core of the lawsuit is the challenge to NASCAR’s charter system—introduced in 2016—which gives teams guaranteed race entry and a share of revenues, and which 23XI and Front Row Motorsports argue stifles competition by concentrating control within NASCAR’s hands.
The antitrust action began in October 2024, with accusations that the system violates federal competition laws. Negotiations over renewed charters have now dragged on for more than two years, with the teams refusing to accept terms they say grant NASCAR excessive unilateral power. As a result, a series of legal maneuvers—including hearings, counterclaims, and appeals—has created a growing divide between racing teams and NASCAR as the sanctioning body.
Efforts to Mediate a Resolution Gain Momentum
After months of court filings and provisional motions, the antitrust case has reached a critical juncture. Both parties have submitted motions for partial summary judgment, and NASCAR has formally requested a judge be appointed to help mediate a compromise. Talks between the feuding parties are scheduled for October 21, with Attorney Jeffrey Kessler representing both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, emphasizing that their clients seek reform—not abolition—of the charter system:
“My clients are not, and never have been, seeking to eliminate the charter system. They have supported charters because teams cannot survive without them….. NASCAR’s new motion changes nothing and we look forward to presenting our case at trial on December 1”
– Jeffrey Kessler, Attorney
This clarification aligns with Hamlin’s position, underlining that the goal is to change the structure for fairness rather than upend it outright. While the judge and NASCAR are exploring ways to broker a deal and avoid a protracted court battle, a trial is still slated for December 1, keeping the possibility of a disruptive legal showdown alive.
NASCAR, seeking greater authority for the mediation process, has asked U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell to mandate a judicially mediated settlement conference, arguing that a sitting judge’s guidance would better clarify each side’s prospects compared to the teams’ choice of mediator, former NBA legal officer Jeffrey Mishkin.
Potential Consequences for NASCAR and the Racing Ecosystem
Should a negotiated settlement fail, Judge Kenneth Bell has cautioned about the transformative risks that a jury verdict could pose to the sport. In court, Bell expressed concern about the widespread uncertainty the trial introduces for industry stakeholders, including sponsors, drivers, and broadcasters:
“Until the jury comes back… nobody knows what ’26 is going to look like. Sponsors don’t know, drivers don’t know, broadcasters don’t know. Because if plaintiffs prevail, NASCAR is going to look very different. And that’s a lot of uncertainty for everybody,”
Bell said. – Judge Kenneth Bell
The looming trial means significant change is possible, as a decision in favor of the plaintiffs may force NASCAR to reconsider or overhaul its already controversial charter policies, fundamentally altering the landscape for teams and future revenue models. The racing community, from sponsors to team owners like Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, remains on edge as December approaches, and the sport’s power dynamics hang in the balance.
With actively scheduled mediations and an unresolved legal standoff, the outcome of the 23XI Racing NASCAR lawsuit settlement efforts remains uncertain. What happens over the next few weeks could reshape how teams, governing bodies, and commercial partners operate within American motorsport for years ahead.
Lol!! Hold my 🍺. https://t.co/cRkleaQx83
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) October 7, 2025
