Denny Hamlin ignited a fresh wave of controversy in the lead-up to Monday’s high-profile antitrust trial, calling out both NASCAR and ESPN over what he describes as years of media manipulation and misleading narratives. The Denny Hamlin antitrust lawsuit controversy has captured attention as the driver, along with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, prepares to face NASCAR in court, challenging longstanding franchise practices.
Social Media Clash Erupts Before Antitrust Trial
The tension reached a boiling point when ESPN’s Ryan McGee published a feature intended to clarify the details surrounding the lawsuit just days before the proceedings. Denny Hamlin quickly took to social media, dismissing McGee’s article as a “propaganda piece” and singling out NASCAR’s managing director of race communications, Mike Forde, for his alleged involvement in shaping the narrative. Hamlin expressed frustration over recurring themes he believes have dominated press coverage of the antitrust trial.
“Please give credit to [Mike Forde] for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative,”
Hamlin replied directly in the online debate.
“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.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Driver
Hamlin Accuses NASCAR and Media of Manipulating Fans
Hamlin’s posts underscored his longstanding grievances with both the league’s leadership and major sports outlets. He accused NASCAR and key figures in sports journalism of working together to sway public perception over franchise rights and the teams’ demands. Hamlin has repeatedly clashed with Forde in the past, but observers noted that this latest exchange was especially charged, with the looming trial raising the stakes for all involved.
“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
Media Responds Amid Escalating Tensions
Ryan McGee, the ESPN writer at the center of Hamlin’s ire, responded publicly to the criticism. Attempting to defend his approach, McGee insisted that his reporting was balanced and aimed at fairly covering the arguments of both sides.
“Tried to hit it down the middle, thus all the ‘(Fill in the blank) believes…’ and ‘(Fill in the blank) argues… Sorry you [disagree], but thanks for reading. See you Monday.”
— Ryan McGee, ESPN Reporter
Despite this pushback, Hamlin and his supporters doubled down, pointing to sections of McGee’s article that they felt downplayed the race teams’ perspective or the specifics of their lawsuit. Fans also weighed in on social media, amplifying the debate just as legal arguments are set to begin.
Teams Prepare for Courtroom Battle
With trial testimony set to begin Monday, Hamlin’s aggressive statements appear to reflect a broader strategy from the competing race teams. Their lawsuit, which challenges NASCAR’s approach to issues such as charters and compensation, has far-reaching implications for the future business model of stock car racing. Hamlin’s confidence is unmistakable as the trial approaches, though only the proceedings will reveal whether his rhetoric signals substantive change or simply escalates existing tensions.
“Exactly” — Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 28, 2025
Potential Impact on NASCAR’s Future
The Denny Hamlin antitrust lawsuit controversy has become a flashpoint for years of brewing discontent between independent race teams and the sport’s governing body. The coming week’s trial is poised to reshape NASCAR’s business relationships and possibly redefine its competitive structure. With high-profile figures like Denny Hamlin, Ryan McGee, and Mike Forde each playing distinct roles, all eyes remain on the courtroom as the racing community awaits clarity on the next chapter for teams and fans alike.
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
Exactly
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 28, 2025
