NASCAR faces mounting scrutiny following recent governance and business controversies, prompting calls for action from respected insiders like Denny Hamlin to help restore NASCAR credibility among fans. After a public legal dispute, fans and stakeholders are demanding authentic engagement to address distrust impacting NASCAR’s image and its essential partnerships.
Legal Disputes Expose Deeper Trust Issues in NASCAR
The recent antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports brought to light significant concerns about how NASCAR is governed and how its resources are distributed. Details emerging through court testimony and public filings have revealed how NASCAR manages its charter system, allocates revenue, and establishes long-term security for teams. These disclosures appear to echo what many fans long believed but had yet to see confirmed: NASCAR retains substantial control, sometimes at the expense of true collaboration with teams.
Such revelations run counter to NASCAR’s public messaging about unity within the sport. Many long-time supporters feel these events have intensified their skepticism, undermining confidence in the organization’s ability to act fairly and openly with both teams and the broader racing community.
Role of Trusted Voices in Reconnecting NASCAR With the Community
Recognizing the damage, industry observers and legal experts have begun suggesting that NASCAR turn to respected figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin. These individuals, through their independent media platforms, are positioned to address fans directly and help clarify the path forward. Shannon McMinimee, a NASCAR fan and legal analyst, voiced support for this approach, highlighting non-traditional media as vital spaces for transparent conversation.
“Am I the only one thinking that one of smartest things that NASCAR could do right now is engage with its fan base via @DirtyMoMedia?”
— Shannon McMinimee, Legal Expert
Platforms such as Dirty Mo Media, hosted by Dale Earnhardt Jr., have become recognized hubs for candid discussions about NASCAR, offering opportunities for the sport to outline new repair strategies in front of an engaged and passionate audience. McMinimee believes appearing on these shows would offer both fans and sponsors a stronger sense of inclusion and transparency.
“I would think that it would be brilliant to go on DJD to identify the repair strategies that NASCAR is going to implement with fans/sponsors. A great opportunity to build some bridges to the fan/sponsor community in a setting where you know the host is committed to the long-term success of the sport.”
— Shannon McMinimee, Legal Expert
Denny Hamlin’s Unique Position as Driver and Owner
In addition to Earnhardt Jr.’s platform, McMinimee has proposed that Denny Hamlin’s “Actions Detrimental” podcast could serve as another authentic venue for open discussion. Hamlin, who competes as both a veteran NASCAR driver and as co-owner of 23XI Racing, is uniquely positioned to bridge the divide between executives, teams, and fans. His platform could help communicate organizational changes and future plans more sincerely than official press releases.
“Or imagine the impact of having Ben Kennedy do a kumbaya appearance on “Actions Detrimental” to collectively talk with Denny to fans about how the new arrangement is going to be great for the sport?” — Shannon McMinimee, Legal Expert
McMinimee acknowledged that, due to ongoing legal matters and negotiations over charter agreements, highly visible steps of this kind might not occur immediately. Still, she described the opportunity as one of the best available for NASCAR to regain trust and chart a productive course with its loyal supporters.
Potential Outcomes for NASCAR and Its Supporters
If NASCAR chooses to act on these suggestions, leveraging highly regarded public figures and trusted media environments, the sanctioning body could demonstrate a renewed commitment to transparency and partnership. Appearances from executives like Ben Kennedy or meaningful dialogue with Denny Hamlin stand to rebuild not just fan sentiment, but also open lines of communication with sponsors and stakeholders. For NASCAR, addressing these issues now may decide whether the organization can repair relationships and preserve its longstanding reputation within the racing community.
Am I the only one thinking that one of smartest things that NASCAR could do right now is engage with its fan base via @DirtyMoMedia?
I would think that it would be brilliant to go on DJD to identify the repair strategies that NASCAR is going to implement with fans/sponsors. A… https://t.co/PLNoHdZSKs
— Shannon McMinimee (@SMMcMinimee) December 12, 2025
