The antitrust trial brought by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR opened with heightened emotions as Denny Hamlin, a prominent driver and team co-owner, took center stage on the witness stand. The case, highlighting Hamlin’s allegations about NASCAR’s financial practices, began Monday in a contentious atmosphere that immediately drew focus on deepening divisions within the sport.
Emotional Testimony Marks First Day of Hearing
Denny Hamlin antitrust trial testimony began against a backdrop of controversy, following days of Hamlin publicly criticizing what he saw as slanted media coverage ahead of the trial. He accused fans of being swayed by NASCAR’s narrative over many years and assured that during the trial, the full story would be revealed. However, his own composure faltered minutes into speaking under oath, displaying the emotional turmoil at the heart of the conflict.
The initial questions in court revolved around Hamlin’s extensive racing background, his affiliation with Joe Gibbs Racing, and the uncertain outlook for the 2025 season. The focus quickly shifted to the burdens teams face in the hyper-competitive NASCAR landscape, where sourcing sponsorship is not just a contest among teams but against the organization itself. Hamlin frequently highlighted how this rivalry for support puts additional strain on team finances and operations.
First, I have to fend off the series. If a new sponsor wants to come in, NASCAR will go after them. I have to fight them. I have to fight other teams for them. I have to fight them for employees.
— Denny Hamlin, Driver & Team Co-Owner
During questioning about his origin in NASCAR, Hamlin became overcome with emotion as he reflected on his father’s current health, recalling the career-defining choice he made at twenty between joining the family trailer business and pursuing his racing ambitions. Hamlin’s testimony conveyed that partnering with Michael Jordan was essential for his continuing in the sport given its difficult environment.
Financial Disparities and Team Survival Discussed
Hamlin estimated that for a single Cup car to run 38 races, excluding certain costs, the bill reaches nearly $20 million, with NASCAR’s charter system only covering $12.5 million per car. The testimony underlined the ongoing struggles of teams to break even, much less profit, setting the stage for heightened legal scrutiny.
Court has let out for the day. Denny Hamlin was on the witness stand but the plaintiffs’ examination was only partially completed prior to the end of day. They’ll resume tomorrow. Notable quotes “Did you graduate?” “They gave me a diploma.” “How did your most recent season… pic.twitter.com/6trwqjkQnd — Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) December 1, 2025
The hearing was adjourned after partial completion of Hamlin’s examination, with expectations of further revelations to come as proceedings continue.
Jeffrey Kessler, representing the plaintiff teams, emphasized in his opening that the financial playing field is severely stacked against owners like Bob Jenkins of Front Row Motorsports. Citing a NASCAR-commissioned report, Kessler noted that a large majority of teams lost money in 2024, and highlighted Jenkins’ inability to turn a profit since forming his organization in 2004—even after claiming a Daytona 500 victory.
Debating the Charter System’s Fairness
When questioned about the charter system—NASCAR’s method of guaranteeing race slots and distributing funds—Hamlin responded bluntly to claims about its fairness. He asserted that if the model worked as intended, far fewer teams would have been forced out of business due to the system’s constraints and unpredictable expenses.
Only one side is going out of business,
— Denny Hamlin, Driver & Team Co-Owner
Hamlin further explained that NASCAR retains significant control over charter valuations, with costs subject to abrupt changes stemming from updated rules or the addition of international events, which can inflate expenses by $1.5 million for each car involved.
What Lies Ahead as Tensions Escalate
The close of the initial court session left unresolved questions about the future direction of the sport. With notable figures such as Denny Hamlin, Bob Jenkins, Jeffrey Kessler, and Michael Jordan prominently referenced, the trial has laid bare the economic and power structures at the heart of NASCAR’s current business model. The proceedings are scheduled to resume Tuesday, with the entire racing industry closely watching for potential shifts in how NASCAR operates and how teams will adapt to the ongoing legal and financial pressures.
Court has let out for the day. Denny Hamlin was on the witness stand but the plaintiffs' examination was only partially completed prior to the end of day.
They'll resume tomorrow.Notable quotes
"Did you graduate?"
"They gave me a diploma.""How did your most recent season… pic.twitter.com/6trwqjkQnd
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) December 1, 2025
