Controversy is growing around the Denny Hamlin NASCAR charter dispute, as the release of the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series charter agreement has inflamed fans and drivers alike. After details surfaced about the financial terms provided by NASCAR to its charter teams, vocal criticism has emerged from team owners, including 23XI Racing’s Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, as well as the broader fan community.
Fans React to Public Charter Agreement Details
The usually private NASCAR charter agreement was thrust into the spotlight when motorsports reporter Bob Pockrass shared screenshots of the new 2025 document online. According to Pockrass, each charter team receives a base payment of $141,000 for every Cup Series event.
“The 2025 charter agreement is now a public record. Charter teams get a base $141,000 per event.”
– Bob Pockrass, Racing Insider
With the numbers made public, supporters of Hamlin and the 23XI Racing camp quickly pointed out glaring gaps in the system. One fan calculated that with the annual payout reaching about $5 million per team, the overwhelming costs of operating a NASCAR team render the payout insufficient. They expressed frustration that even maintaining a competitive fleet stretches team budgets to the breaking point.
“So 5 million a year, when a single car costs around a million (per Denny’s podcast) and they have to have at least 3 cars, thats 3 million gone on just the cars, not account tires, which I’ve heard can be up to 25k a race (so another million). No wonder they say they lose money”
– Fan
Further fan reactions highlighted that the current payout forces teams into a constant search for multiple sponsors, often switching sponsors from race to race, as there is simply not enough cash to cover a full season otherwise.
“No wonder teams don’t keep one sponsor on the car all year. They basically have to nickel and dime their way through the season. I wonder how bad the financials are for some of the smaller teams that have to fight and claw for every dollar.”
– Fan
Some fans even pointed out the significant risk small teams take, noting that the smallest error or misfortune could have months-long financial consequences.
“lol the teams are getting nothing, 1 big crash and your losing your money for the next 4 races”
– Fan
Legal Struggle Continues as Hamlin Competes for First Title
Even as the legal dispute simmers off-track, Denny Hamlin is still chasing his first NASCAR Cup championship. This weekend, at Phoenix Raceway, Hamlin—who represents both his team and personal ambitions—will race against former champions Kyle Larson, William Byron, and fellow Joe Gibbs Racing driver Chase Briscoe.
In his 21st year as a NASCAR Cup Series driver, Hamlin’s quest for a championship is paired with a larger battle for equitable payouts and better policies for teams. This marks his fifth career Championship 4 appearance since breaking through to the final round most recently in 2021, a season in which he secured six victories—his most in a single season, with triumphs including a pivotal win in Las Vegas.
Charter Dispute’s Implications for NASCAR’s Future
The Denny Hamlin NASCAR charter dispute has drawn wide attention to the sport’s financial model and raised new questions about NASCAR’s approach to sharing revenue. The support for Hamlin’s and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing highlights the unease simmering among teams, sponsors, and fans alike over long-term financial sustainability.
As legal proceedings continue and the racing season reaches its climax, the pressure remains on NASCAR to address team concerns or risk alienating high-profile owners and passionate fans. The outcome of this charter dispute may shape how the sport does business for seasons to come, affecting not only Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing, but also teams across the Cup Series and fans hoping for a more transparent and fair system.
The 2025 charter agreement is now a public record. Charter teams get a base $141,000 per event. pic.twitter.com/iNZClGgeFY
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 29, 2025
So 5 million a year, when a single car costs around a million (per Denny's podcast) and they have to have at least 3 cars, thats 3 million gone on just the cars, not account tires, which I've heard can be up to 25k a race (so another million). No wonder they say they lose money
— Adam Gillette (@atg1022) October 29, 2025
No wonder teams don’t keep one sponsor on the car all year. They basically have to nickel and dime their way through the season. I wonder how bad the financials are for some of the smaller teams that have to fight and claw for every dollar.
— Nick (@NickJP216) October 29, 2025
lol the teams are getting nothing, 1 big crash and your losing your money for the next 4 races
— Ryan (@ryanscott_24) October 29, 2025
