Denny Hamlin and his team have gained significant leverage in the ongoing Denny Hamlin NASCAR antitrust lawsuit after newly revealed text messages between NASCAR executives emerged, intensifying scrutiny around the league’s alleged monopolistic practices. The messages, which surfaced during court proceedings, could alter the trajectory of the high-profile legal case that continues to unfold in the racing world.
Text Messages Between NASCAR Leaders Exposed
Since the start of the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit, all sides have been on heightened alert, knowing that any misstep could affect the case. That caution became especially vital for the defense after recent private messages between Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell, both prominent NASCAR leaders, were revealed publicly in connection with Denny Hamlin’s decision to participate in the Superstar Racing Experience (SRX) series. These exchanges, now under judicial consideration, have spotlighted internal attitudes and discussions about the controversy.
Key Evidence Presented in Court Strengthens Hamlin’s Position
Late August saw a media storm erupt when text conversations between 23XI Racing co-owners, basketball legend Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, became public, drawing attention for their candid and unfiltered language. These texts now bolster Hamlin’s court argument, alleging that the France family, longstanding overseers of NASCAR, engaged in monopolistic behavior to exert tight control over the sport.
For several months, legal representatives for 23XI and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) have methodically challenged NASCAR’s legal stance, gathering incremental victories that have incrementally strengthened the plaintiffs’ position. The recent release of executive messages represents one of the most significant developments so far, potentially influencing proceedings in Hamlin and his allies’ favor.
Revealing Communications Between Phelps and O’Donnell
The leaked messages, first disclosed by motorsport journalist Bob Pockrass on X (formerly Twitter), show Steve O’Donnell expressing frustration over Hamlin’s involvement in the rival SRX series:
“This is NASACR. Pure and simple. Enough. We need legal to take a shot at this.”
— Steve O’Donnell, NASCAR Executive
Steve Phelps’s response further indicated sharp disapproval toward the competing series:
“These guys are just plain stupid. Need to put a knife in this trash series.”
— Steve Phelps, NASCAR Executive
While the texts individually reveal the executives’ intent, their context within the broader dispute over SRX and NASCAR competition suggests a more significant impact on how the court might view NASCAR’s business practices.
The Backdrop: SRX Emerges as a Rival Series
The Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), created in 2021 by co-founder Ray Everham, presented a new challenge to NASCAR’s dominance by assembling motorsports veterans, including Tony Stewart, Chase Elliott, and Kyle Busch, to compete on an even playing field. Races often took place at half-mile dirt and asphalt tracks, providing a different spectacle for racing fans. Denny Hamlin won one of these races, reportedly stirring discontent among NASCAR’s top management.
Despite its star power and unique appeal, the SRX Series ceased operations in 2023, with organizers attributing its closure to a decline in fan interest. However, the timing and context of NASCAR’s internal communications released by Hamlin and his legal team now suggest other factors may have influenced SRX’s demise.
Potential Consequences for NASCAR and the Sport
The latest document leaks cast new doubt on NASCAR’s defense against accusations of monopolistic tactics within stock car racing. With the antitrust lawsuit gaining momentum and critical evidence now public, the case’s outcome could influence the future structure of the sport and the competitive environment it offers for drivers like Denny Hamlin and high-profile teams like 23XI Racing and FRM. As the courtroom drama continues, the wider racing community will closely watch how NASCAR responds to these serious allegations and what changes could emerge from future rulings.
Some interesting texts revealed tonight … the text reaction of Phelps and O’Donnell when they found out Denny Hamlin was running SRX … (tonight is the deadline for redacted exhibits to be filed for exhibits used in the summary judgment rulings). pic.twitter.com/EE6WURbibY
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 22, 2025
