Denny Hamlin has publicly demanded an apology from Larry McReynolds following the conclusion of a highly publicized Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit settlement involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR. The dispute, which centered on claims of monopolistic behavior and longstanding business practices, officially reached resolution this past Thursday after over a year of controversy and nine days in court.
Hamlin Calls Out McReynolds Post-Settlement
The courtroom battle drew renewed attention to comments made in November 2024, when Denny Hamlin accused former NASCAR crew chief and current SiriusXM NASCAR Radio host Larry McReynolds of spreading falsehoods regarding the motives and legitimacy of the teams’ legal challenge against NASCAR. With the Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit settlement now finalized, Hamlin revisited these criticisms online, expecting acknowledgment of past statements about both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
“Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver, 23XI Racing
Background: Charter Dispute and Legal Accusations
In October 2024, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports initiated an antitrust case against NASCAR and its CEO Jim France. Their legal action was a direct response to NASCAR’s newly proposed Charter Agreement, which both teams declined to sign, making them the exceptions among Cup Series organizations. In response, McReynolds publicly criticized the move, framing it as an attempt to upend decades of tradition.
“the way [NASCAR] has done business for 76 and a half years.”
— Larry McReynolds, Former NASCAR Crew Chief and Radio Host
The suit alleged that NASCAR’s Charter system and “take-it-or-leave-it” offer constituted monopolistic conduct, limiting fair competition and participation for teams unwilling to accept the stipulated terms.
Ongoing Public Criticism Between Hamlin and McReynolds
Hamlin did not shy from expressing frustration over remarks made by McReynolds when the dispute was at its peak. McReynolds, referencing the relative youth of organizations like 23XI Racing in comparison to established names, questioned the right of newcomers to demand systemic changes.
“We’ve got an organization that’s been here not even four years that all of a sudden is saying, ‘We gotta change the way NASCAR’s run.’ I’m all about change. Change is what makes you better,”
— Larry McReynolds, Former NASCAR Crew Chief and Radio Host
He also pointed out that veteran Cup Series figures such as Richard Childress, Jake Roush, Rick Hendrick, and Joe Gibbs supported the agreement’s terms, suggesting that 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports were outliers.
“There are things we don’t like about it but we’re going to do what’s best for the sport and best for our business. And they signed off on it and these people that have been either not competitive or only been here for four and a half years have been saying the way we’ve done business for 76 and a half years is wrong.”
— Larry McReynolds, Former NASCAR Crew Chief and Radio Host
Hamlin has repeatedly highlighted these criticisms, recently posting about McReynolds’ remarks from the lawsuit’s early days, underscoring his view that the skepticism was unwarranted.
“I believe it was ‘How dare them for trying to come in and change the sport. 23XI hasn’t been around long enough and FRM wasn’t good enough.’ Also, how about ‘I don’t know what their problem is, 13 other teams signed it.’ Just to name a few examples,”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver, 23XI Racing
Lawsuit’s Outcome Delivers Lasting Changes
Though the trial did not require a jury verdict, its impact was substantial. NASCAR ultimately agreed to provide the teams with evergreen—permanent—charters, which was the central aim for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports from the outset. This outcome signifies a profound shift in the way Cup Series charters are handled, likely influencing the sport’s structure for future seasons.
Legacy of the Settlement and What Lies Ahead
The resolution of the Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit settlement marks more than the end of a legal conflict; it signals a turning point for competition and governance in the sport. Hamlin, vocal about the need for change, sees this as a victory for teams willing to challenge established powers and conventional wisdom.
“Standing up isn’t easy, but progress never comes from staying silent,”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver, 23XI Racing
“The reward is in knowing you changed something.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner/Driver, 23XI Racing
With the permanent charter system now in place, NASCAR faces new expectations for fairness, transparency, and adaptability. The willingness of figures like Hamlin, and organizations such as 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, to challenge the status quo has left a lasting impression, signaling further evolutions may be possible as more teams seek a greater voice in the sport’s future.
Good morning. Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) December 16, 2025
I believe it was “how dare them for trying to come in and change the sport. 23XI hasn’t been around long enough and FRM wasn’t good enough”. Also how about “ I dont know what their problem is, 13 other teams signed it”. Just to name a few examples.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) December 16, 2025
Standing up isn’t easy, but progress never comes from staying silent. The reward is in knowing you changed something.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) December 11, 2025
