Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, voiced sharp criticism toward ESPN and its journalist Ryan McGee just days before the Denny Hamlin NASCAR antitrust trial is set to begin on December 1. The dispute arises as Hamlin’s team, along with Front Row Motorsports, prepares to face NASCAR in court over allegations of monopolistic behavior by the sport’s governing body.
Hamlin expressed strong dissatisfaction with a recent article by McGee that recounted the events leading to the upcoming antitrust proceedings. He alleged that the ESPN story served NASCAR’s interests at the expense of his team’s perspective, intensifying the growing rift between racing organizations and the media as the high-profile case approaches.
Hamlin Accuses ESPN of Biased Reporting on NASCAR Trial
According to Hamlin, the article published on Friday failed to accurately represent the issues at stake in the impending legal battle. He targeted McGee’s reporting as being unduly influenced by NASCAR leadership, particularly pointing to NASCAR’s Managing Director for Racing Communications, Mike Forde, as a source behind the narrative shift. Hamlin’s frustration spilled into the public sphere through social media posts that quickly gained traction within the motorsports community.
“Please give credit to (Mike Forde, NASCAR’s Managing Director for Racing Communications) for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative,” Hamlin said in a social media post on Friday. “Continuous lies about our stance, NASCARs motives for its actions, and continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know better.”
Hamlin maintained that his team’s intentions and objections have been systematically misrepresented, accusing ESPN and NASCAR of providing “continuous lies” about 23XI Racing’s stance and minimizing the seriousness of the lawsuit’s claims.
ESPN’s Ryan McGee Defends His Article Amid Criticism
Ryan McGee responded directly to Hamlin’s criticism, defending the neutrality of his reporting and emphasizing his effort to present facts from all sides of the dispute. McGee highlighted his attempt to avoid bias by framing key claims as arguments or beliefs held by the involved parties. Despite his response, Hamlin held firm in his objection, maintaining that biased coverage has undermined his team’s and fans’ understanding of the critical antitrust issues at hand.
Tried to hit it down the middle, thus all the “(Fill in the blank) believes…” and “(Fill in the blank) argues…” Sorry you disgaree, but thanks for reading. See you Monday.— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) November 28, 2025
Tension between the parties intensified as trial preparations continued, with each side standing by its interpretation of both the lawsuit and the media narratives surrounding it.
Hamlin Calls for Change Ahead of Landmark NASCAR Lawsuit
Hamlin further accused the media and the NASCAR sanctioning body of misleading fans for years, asserting that the public has been unduly influenced by orchestrated messaging intended to downplay the gravity of the case. Reiterating his call for transparency and accountability, Hamlin promised that the court proceedings would expose misrepresentations and initiate needed reforms within the industry.
“Our fans have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades,” Hamlin said in response. “Narratives pushed by media who are intimidated by them. Lies are over starting Monday morning. It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change.”
Hamlin expressed hope that the litigation would offer clarity and disrupt what he describes as decades-long manipulation of fans and stakeholders by both NASCAR and compliant media outlets.
Background: Longtime NASCAR Journalists and Stakeholders
Ryan McGee, who hails from Rockingham, North Carolina, has covered NASCAR for over twenty years and contributed to acclaimed projects such as the 2007 documentary Dale, about NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt. His extensive reporting and creative work have made him a fixture on ESPN during the network’s prominent years of NASCAR broadcasting.
Another journalist, Samuel, brings local expertise from the same region as NASCAR legend Mark Martin and has contributed to the motorsports press since early 2024. Samuel joined the National Motorsports Press Association in October 2024, expanding his coverage beyond racing to college basketball, including the Arkansas Razorbacks.
What Comes Next as NASCAR Faces Legal Scrutiny
As the Denny Hamlin NASCAR antitrust trial gets underway, the conflict between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR will take center stage not just in the courtroom, but also across major media outlets. The outcome could influence the sport’s business practices and its relationship with both fans and the press for years to come. The trial is expected to shed light on alleged monopolistic practices and set precedents for how NASCAR governs team and media interactions in the future.
Please give credit to @mforde for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative. Continuous lies about our stance, NASCARs motives for its actions, and continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know…
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 28, 2025
Tried to hit it down the middle, thus all the "(Fill in the blank) believes…" and "(Fill in the blank) argues…" Sorry you disgaree, but thanks for reading. See you Monday.
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) November 28, 2025
Our fans have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades. Narratives pushed by media who are intimidated by them.
Lies are over starting Monday morning.
It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change.— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 28, 2025
