Denny Hamlin, co-owner and driver for 23XI Racing, faced scrutiny in a recent multi-hour cross-examination as part of an ongoing lawsuit involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports. Evidence emerged that in 2023, Hamlin contemplated selling his share of the NASCAR team he owns alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan, bringing the issue of the 23XI Racing ownership dispute to the forefront.
Details of the Dispute Within the 23XI Racing Ownership Group
During the legal proceedings, lawyers for NASCAR revealed messages indicating that Hamlin discussed selling his part of 23XI Racing. The messages reportedly included a request for Jordan to help find a buyer amid rising tensions between Hamlin and the other co-owners as well as team managers. At the time, 23XI Racing was only in its second season as a multi-car operation, actively working on a major investment—the construction of a $35 million race shop named Airspeed.
When asked about these communications, Hamlin explained his state of mind, attributing his willingness to sell to frustration within the ownership structure. He stated that these frustrations were a strategic move to get his business partners’ attention. In the end, he met with Michael Jordan, fellow co-owner Curtis Polk, Gene Mason, and others at Jordan’s private golf club, The Grove XXIII, to resolve their differences. Hamlin noted that such disagreements are not uncommon among stakeholders.
“Hamlin also tried to explain texts on possibly selling part of his share of the team. He said at one point he was frustrated and needed to get the ownership group attention. And long term he would want to sell to make money, that’s business 101.”— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 2, 2025
The context around these sentiments raised uncertainty regarding how serious Hamlin was about selling his stake. While no transaction ultimately took place, this tension highlighted ongoing struggles behind the scenes.
Internal Criticisms and Their Impact on 23XI Racing
The ownership rift deepened when the court unsealed an internal email—sent by Jordan’s chief financial officer—that described Hamlin as a “terrible businessman.” This revelation came during the highly publicized trial between NASCAR and 23XI Racing, further fueling the debate over Hamlin’s leadership. Disagreements, it appears, have occasionally boiled over, but resolutions have typically followed after high-level internal meetings.
The email episode became public at a time the team was pushing forward with significant improvements, and there were broader questions about the stability of the organization if Hamlin had moved forward with his plan to sell. Uncertainty lingered about whether Michael Jordan would have remained committed, what the team’s future might look like, or whether the episode was simply part of the negotiation tactics within the group.
23XI Racing’s Developments Amid Legal and Ownership Turmoil
Despite the turmoil related to the 23XI Racing ownership dispute, the organization has advanced notably since 2023. The Airspeed race shop is now complete, and the racing team has expanded, fielding a third full-time vehicle. Rising driver prospect Corey Heim is poised to join the team, indicating determined investment in the future. These elements suggest that, despite moments of conflict, the organization remains committed for the long term and continues looking ahead in the competitive NASCAR environment.
The Latest From the NASCAR–23XI Trial and What Comes Next
Hamlin’s examination concluded under the questioning of Jeffery Kessler, the team’s attorney, as well as NASCAR lawyer Lawrence Buterman. The sessions, which began Monday afternoon and wrapped up Tuesday morning, brought to light the full emotional strain Hamlin faced, drawing reactions from across the racing world. The case continues, with all parties watching to see if new revelations further disrupt the leadership or trajectory of 23XI Racing.
The developments—centered on the intersection of business frustration, public criticism, and high financial stakes—underscore the uneasy and emotionally charged landscape that can characterize NASCAR team ownership. All eyes are now on 23XI Racing as it seeks to turn the page and reinforce its position as a competitive contender in NASCAR’s future.
Hamlin also tried to explain texts on possibly selling part of his share of the team. He said at one point he was frustrated and needed to get the ownership group attention. And long term he would want to sell to make money, that’s business 101.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 2, 2025
LUNCH BREAK
Denny Hamlin said 'we are not a monopoly like you' a lot in response to NASCAR antitrust attorney Lawrence Buterman's line of cross examination.
Example: Buterman brought up the Riley Herbst contract that prevents their drivers from racing in other series, so how…
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) December 2, 2025
