Denny Hamlin, three-time Daytona 500 champion and co-owner of 23XI Racing, has spoken out following the recent settlement of the high-profile NASCAR lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. This Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit response follows a heated trial ending with NASCAR leadership agreeing to better terms for the teams, including larger profit shares and eventual permanent charters.
The contentious legal battle, which lasted eight days, revealed significant internal disputes and resulted in the unsealing of several notable comments. While teams are now looking forward to improved conditions thanks to the settlement, Hamlin has directed his focus toward defending both his team and decisions made during the case’s turbulent lead-up.
Hamlin Calls Out Media Figures After the Settlement
Immediately after the lawsuit was resolved, Denny Hamlin took to social media to specifically address what he felt were unfair criticisms made about 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports when the lawsuit was first brought forward. A notable exchange occurred with Larry McReynolds, former crew chief and host on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s Channel 90. Hamlin reproached McReynolds and others for previous negative remarks, demanding public accountability.
“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, Co-owner of 23XI Racing.
Hamlin went further, identifying several specific statements he found objectionable, including comments questioning his team’s legitimacy and the merit of their legal challenge.
“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 of 23XI Racing.
Public Discussion Intensifies with Fans and Analysts
When questioned by a fan about why he sought an apology, Hamlin maintained that the facts emerging from the released documents contradicted the earlier media narrative. He emphasized his expectation that analysts like Larry McReynolds revisit their stances in light of the evidence now available.
“Well because I believe that once the actual facts and documents were released it was contradictory to the narrative that was being pushed. Larry is a very hard working analyst. Hopefully he took the time to analyze the situation post settlement and revise his thoughts.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner of 23XI Racing.
Hamlin’s frustration is rooted in what he sees as a pattern from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, particularly Channel 90, in shaping public opinion against his team. This tension stretches back to interviews conducted during the trial period, when 23XI Racing attorney Jeffrey Kessler appeared on-air and the resulting broadcast was later edited or removed.
“While censorship is a big topic in today’s media world, Channel 90 might be the poster child. An interview didn’t go the way they hoped after our attorney continued to state fact after fact even though they tried their best to refute, they have since edited/deleted that interview off of their channels because the narrative doesn’t fit their beliefs. If that doesn’t convince you of the bias then nothing will.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner of 23XI Racing.
Reactions from NASCAR Media and Next Steps
To date, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio has not issued a response to Hamlin’s public calls for an apology or his accusations of bias. The situation highlights ongoing tensions between NASCAR teams, their media coverage, and how narratives are shaped in real-time. Throughout the legal proceedings, key individuals like Jeffrey Kessler and Dave Moody became focal points in both legal and media debates.
With the lawsuit now concluded and permanent financial and structural changes expected for NASCAR teams such as 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, attention remains fixed on whether NASCAR and its media partners will address the commentary and perceptions that arose from the case. Denny Hamlin’s candid demands signal a shift among teams to assert their perspectives not just in the boardroom, but in the public conversation about the future of NASCAR.
