The high-profile antitrust case brought by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR began its trial phase this week, drawing considerable attention to the courtroom as Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit testimony took center stage. With significant implications for how the sport is managed and its business operations, the outcome of this lawsuit could reshape the future of NASCAR if the teams prevail.
As arguments unfolded in court, tensions surfaced on both sides. A ruling in favor of the teams could require NASCAR to alter many of its established practices, impacting both financial and operational aspects for the organizations involved.
Hamlin’s Confrontational Testimony Starts the Trial
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a well-known Cup Series driver, was among the prominent figures present as the trial commenced. Alongside Michael Jordan, his business partner and legendary NBA figure, Hamlin attended the proceedings in person. Early in the trial, Hamlin was called to the stand, launching into a passionate recounting of his journey into professional stock car racing. He reflected on the key decisions he faced at age twenty, when he had to choose whether to continue racing or join his father’s trailer business, stating,
“We got to when I was about 20 and a decision had to be made, I could keep racing or go out and work for my dad’s trailer business.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver/Co-owner
He also detailed the origins of his partnership with Michael Jordan, which began during Jordan’s tenure as an owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Their friendship eventually evolved into a collaboration that created 23XI Racing, with Hamlin sharing how vital Jordan’s involvement was to his own commitment to the team’s success:
“If I can’t be successful with Michael as a partner, I knew this was never going to work.”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver/Co-owner
Revealing Financial Struggles and Frustrations
In an emotional and extended testimony lasting over three hours, Hamlin did not hold back his grievances with NASCAR. He discussed at length how 23XI Racing has invested heavily in its operations, revealing that the team pays $8 million annually to Joe Gibbs Racing for its fleet, and spent $35 million last year building the Airspeed facility designed to attract more sponsorship deals. Despite these major investments, the team still faces significant financial strain, a predicament echoed by Bob Jenkins, head of Front Row Motorsports, who revealed that his team remains unprofitable despite more than two decades in the sport.
This ongoing financial pressure served as a backdrop to Hamlin’s pointed criticisms in court. Tensions were clear, both in the evidence to be presented and in the emotional responses witnessed in the courtroom. According to legal commentator Shannon McMinimee,
“Given what has been written in emails and text messages that the jury will see, they are definitely going to know that there is a lot of animosity between the parties regardless of witness demeanor. But it will be interesting to see how they react to visible animosity/anger from…”
— Shannon McMinimee, Attorney
During his testimony, Hamlin became emotional, displaying visible distress as he discussed the personal and professional stakes involved in the lawsuit.
Explaining the Purpose Behind the Lawsuit
When pressed to clarify why he decided to take legal action against NASCAR, Hamlin laid out his motivation with directness, saying,
“it was time for a change”
— Denny Hamlin, Driver/Co-owner
He emphasized that the documentation and evidence presented during the trial would provide crucial insight into the realities that prompted 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to file the lawsuit in the first place. Hamlin made it clear that for him and the other plaintiffs, the case represented more than business—it was about fairness and the future direction of the sport.
What the Lawsuit Could Mean for NASCAR’s Future
The ongoing trial brings the inner workings of NASCAR’s business structure under public scrutiny, fueled by high-stakes testimony from figures such as Hamlin, Bob Jenkins, and legal analysts like Shannon McMinimee. With documents, emails, and text messages soon to be reviewed by the jury, the trial’s outcome could profoundly influence the relationship between NASCAR’s management and its teams.
As the process continues, the intense emotions and conflicts on display in the courtroom underscore the importance of the case. If Hamlin and his peers achieve a legal victory, they could set a new precedent for team independence, revenue models, and operational transparency within one of America’s most iconic motorsports leagues.
Given what has been written in emails and text messages that the jury will see, they are definitely going to know that there is a lot of animosity between the parties regardless of witness demeanor. But it will be interesting to see how they react to visible animosity/anger from… https://t.co/WG6dDRKrc3
— Shannon McMinimee (@SMMcMinimee) December 2, 2025
