Denny Hamlin, a champion driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing, openly criticized NASCAR’s current charter proposal, equating it to a “death certificate” for teams during testimony on Tuesday in Charlotte. The comments came as Hamlin took the stand on the second day of NASCAR’s high-profile antitrust trial, bringing the Denny Hamlin NASCAR charter controversy into sharper focus.
Dispute Over Charter System Highlights Tensions
Hamlin, who has won the Daytona 500 three times and is partnered with basketball legend Michael Jordan as co-owner of 23XI Racing, returned to testify on the second day of hearings after first appearing as the initial witness on Monday. He and Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins have refused to renew their NASCAR Cup Series charters this year, distinguishing their stance from the other 13 teams who agreed to the renewal terms. NASCAR’s charter system, in place since 2016, was established at the request of several Cup Series teams to provide stability and access to racing spots, but disagreements over its terms have surfaced.
Both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports allege that NASCAR uses its power to force teams into compliance with anti-competitive practices. Their refusal to sign this year’s charter renewal signals the depth of their dissatisfaction with the structure and negotiation process.
Hamlin’s Forceful Testimony Examines Monopoly Concerns
During his testimony, Hamlin did not hold back his opinions.
“I didn’t sign because I knew this was my death certificate for the future,”
Hamlin said.—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner.
When asked if he questioned his decision not to sign, Hamlin stated,
“I think it was the only decision.”
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner.
On cross-examination, Lawrence E. Buterman, counsel representing NASCAR, attempted to compare NASCAR’s charter stipulations with a contract that restricted driver Riley Herbst from racing with other teams. Addressing this comparison, Hamlin responded pointedly:
“We aren’t a monopoly. You are,”
Hamlin said—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner.
“I believe it’s different when you have options and drivers have options of what teams they can race for.”
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner.
Consequences of Speaking Out Against NASCAR
Hamlin also highlighted the pressures he faces when speaking publicly about NASCAR, indicating that his positive tone in podcast appearances stems from concern over possible retribution.
“You can take all my things out of context and paint a picture that everything is fine,”
Hamlin said.—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner.
“The reality is, (being) negative affects me in (technical inspection), getting called to the hauler, NASCAR not liking what I said.”
—Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner.
What Lies Ahead as the Trial Continues
Michael Jordan, Hamlin’s business partner, was also present in the courtroom but had not yet testified as of Tuesday. The antitrust trial in Charlotte is expected to last two weeks and will likely determine not only the future of the NASCAR charter system but also set new precedents for how the organization manages teams and competition moving forward.
The outcome could significantly impact both team owners like Hamlin and the broader racing community, as ongoing tensions raise fundamental questions about power, fairness, and the economic structure within NASCAR’s premier series.
