Denny Hamlin has launched sharp criticism against media coverage of a recent NASCAR lawsuit, directly accusing ESPN’s Ryan McGee of misleading fans with biased reporting. This confrontation comes as Hamlin’s team, 23XI Racing, continues to challenge the stock car racing association over charter rights, making “Denny Hamlin media criticism” a pointed issue in the ongoing dispute.
Hamlin Challenges Narratives Ahead of Major NASCAR Lawsuit
In recent days, Denny Hamlin, a NASCAR Cup Series veteran and driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, openly condemned ESPN senior writer Ryan McGee for publishing what Hamlin described as a propaganda piece. The dispute centers on coverage of the lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing—co-owned by Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan—against NASCAR’s sanctioning body. Hamlin’s main contention is that the reporting has created false or misleading narratives about the team owners’ motivations and objectives in the antitrust case.
The origins of the lawsuit trace back to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ refusal to sign a charter agreement last year. In response, several Cup Series teams, including Hamlin’s, filed an antitrust suit against NASCAR. The lawsuit alleges that CEO Jim France and the organization have created a monopoly, sidelining independent teams and consolidating control over the sport’s most valuable assets.
Ryan McGee’s reporting emphasized that teams receive 49% of television revenue, while suggesting 23XI Racing and its owners seek even greater control. McGee also highlighted Michael Jordan’s proposal for NASCAR to introduce a structure like the NBA, allowing team owners to purchase, not just lease, their charters. This difference in visions for the future of NASCAR’s governance and financial model is at the heart of the current legal battle.
“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 better.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver
“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, NASCAR Cup Series driver
These statements reflect a deep frustration on Hamlin’s part, particularly as the case heads to trial. His claims center on a longstanding pattern where, in his view, media members repeat talking points favorable to NASCAR’s leadership without fully representing the concerns of the teams or questioning the motives behind league decisions.
Lawsuit Timeline and What’s at Stake for Racing Teams
The antitrust legal proceedings brought by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are set to begin on December 1, 2025. The outcome could reshape NASCAR’s structural foundation. If the sanctioning body, led by Jim France, prevails in court, it could potentially spell the end for 23XI and FRM as team owners within the Cup Series. Conversely, a win for Hamlin and other teams may force NASCAR to grant teams permanent charters, fundamentally changing how ownership and control of race teams work within the sport.
This standoff is particularly charged due to Michael Jordan’s involvement and his call to follow an NBA model, which grants owners far more stability and equity. Meanwhile, NASCAR’s current system puts teams in a perpetual state of uncertainty through the practice of leasing charters, limiting their business security and bargaining power.
Denny Hamlin’s Concerns Over NASCAR Leadership’s Priorities
Hamlin’s explicit media criticism is just one facet of his broader frustrations with NASCAR’s current leadership, notably CEO Jim France. Back in 2022, during a meeting attended by Hamlin, France, and NASCAR President Steve Phelps, the driver recalled a stark divide in priorities. Hamlin recounted that NASCAR’s leadership appeared focused solely on reducing costs and saw the sport’s teams primarily as expenses, rather than crucial stakeholders.
Hamlin highlighted the high costs associated with running a competitive team, specifically mentioning engine budgets. Rather than financial support, he said, Jim France advocated for teams to cut costs and believed manufacturers should bear the bulk of team funding, removing responsibility from NASCAR itself.
“Jim doesn’t really value the current owners of our sport and what we bring. He believes that NASCAR itself is the show. He made a point to say that we have to continue to give OEMs tremendous value because they help support the teams. I honestly don’t think he understands that every teams OEM deal is different. I told him our 15M number is WITH OEM engine support.”
—Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series driver
Hamlin’s account suggests that the organization pays close attention to cutting team-related costs, but, according to him, neglects the financial pressures tracks face and takes the largest portion of event earnings. This ongoing dissatisfaction with management is fueling not only the lawsuit but also the intensifying public relations conflict.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Structure
As the December 1, 2025, trial approaches, both sides face significant consequences. A court victory for the governing body could reinforce the current system, potentially resulting in the dissolution of 23XI and Front Row in top-level NASCAR. For Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan, and teams taking action, a win could anchor their place in the sport and bring about the permanent ownership rights they seek. The case is expected to reshape the trajectory of team ownership and fan engagement, while also intensifying scrutiny on how NASCAR’s leadership interacts with both its media partners and its teams.
The intensifying tension between media narratives, sanctioning body decisions, and racing team ambitions promises to keep Denny Hamlin media criticism in the spotlight, as NASCAR confronts one of the most pivotal legal battles in its modern history.
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
