On December 2, 2025, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and veteran Cup Series driver, appeared during the second day of the Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit trial against NASCAR at the courthouse. Hamlin directly explained the reasons behind his bold refusal to sign the charter agreement in late 2024 and clarified why he and his team felt compelled to challenge NASCAR through legal action.
The dispute began in October 2024 when both 23XI Racing, co-owned by Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports declined to join the updated charter agreement proposed by NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France. These Cup Series teams soon escalated matters with an antitrust lawsuit, accusing France of creating a monopoly over the sport and limiting teams’ power and share in NASCAR’s revenue model.
Why Hamlin and 23XI Racing Rejected the Charter Agreement
The charter agreement in question offers guaranteed entry into all Cup Series races and a share of overall NASCAR revenue. However, during his deposition, Hamlin made clear his strong objections to the deal:
“I don’t sign because I know that this is essentially my death certificate for the future.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver, Co-owner 23XI Racing
“I think it was the only decision,” he added.
— Denny Hamlin, Driver, Co-owner 23XI Racing
Hamlin elaborated further by expressing his longstanding frustration with the system and his desire for substantial reform:
“It’s time for change. I’ve spent 20 years trying to change this sport and grow it further.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver, Co-owner 23XI Racing
He argued that signing the charter would lock his team into an arrangement that stifled future opportunities and failed to fix long-standing financial disparities for Cup Series teams and drivers alike. This step, according to Hamlin, was necessary to force a long-overdue transformation in how NASCAR operates and shares its growing revenue.
Behind the Scenes: Financial Strains and Allegations of Unfair Practices
Earlier in the week, Hamlin revealed that his team’s technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing requires a costly $8 million per year for support. He also claimed that NASCAR has actively tried to lure sponsors away from teams, referencing Germain Racing as an example. These accusations further fueled Hamlin’s frustrations over NASCAR’s business approach and its impact on teams struggling to stay competitive.
Clashing with the Media and NASCAR’s Leadership
Tension escalated beyond the courtroom as Hamlin criticized senior ESPN writer Ryan McGee before the trial began. Hamlin objected to a recent article published on December 1, 2025, which accused 23XI Racing of seeking greater control and noted that the teams collectively secure only 49% of television revenue—a figure NBA legend Michael Jordan, another 23XI Racing owner, found insufficient.
Michael Jordan, known for his NBA background, has argued that NASCAR should mimic NBA franchise models by selling, not leasing, charters to teams—an idea Hamlin strongly supports as a vital step towards fairness. In response to the ESPN piece and broader media narratives, Hamlin wrote:
“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, NASCAR’s motives for its actions, and continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know better.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver, Co-owner 23XI Racing
“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,” he added.
— Denny Hamlin, Driver, Co-owner 23XI Racing
This vocal opposition also highlighted Hamlin’s frustration with NASCAR leadership. In a 2022 email that surfaced ahead of the trial, Hamlin criticized Jim France for not adequately financially supporting Cup Series teams. He argued that financial burdens, especially the high costs of engine-building, were unfairly shifted onto manufacturers rather than addressed by the organization itself.
The Path Forward and the Stakes for NASCAR
The Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit stands as a pivotal moment for the sport’s future. It shines a light on persistent issues over team revenue, governance, and the growth of NASCAR as a professional series. The case involves key figures such as Hamlin, Jim France, Ryan McGee, and Michael Jordan, and it represents a broader battle for fairness between racing teams and NASCAR’s leadership.
Regardless of the courts’ decision, the trial has sparked debate among stock car racing fans over the direction of the sport. How NASCAR addresses these concerns, and whether systemic change follows, will shape competition, financial health, and trust between teams, sponsors, and the organizing body in the years ahead.
👉 Hamlin didn't sign the Charter Agreement because this is "his death certificate" for the future, and says it "might have been" Curtis Polk who originally suggested the team take legal action."
🗨️ "It's time for change. I've spent 20 years trying to change this sport and grow…
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) December 2, 2025
