Denny Hamlin has reignited the debate over NASCAR’s charter system, demanding public accountability from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio after a high-stakes lawsuit was settled in federal court. The Denny Hamlin NASCAR charter lawsuit, involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, ended with the restoration of team charters and lingering tensions between team owners, the sport’s governing body, and vocal media figures.
Charter System Dispute Reaches a Legal Conclusion
The recent antitrust case, which played out over nine days at the U.S. District Court, spotlighted NASCAR’s approach to team revenue and charter allocation. Both 23XI Racing—co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan—and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign NASCAR’s existing charter agreement. During the trial, testimony revealed claims that NASCAR allegedly owed the plaintiff teams $364.7 million, and further argued that chartered teams had been underpaid by $20.3 billion overall. The settlement, reached prior to a verdict on December 11, 2025, led to the return of six charters to the plaintiff teams under terms that were not publicly disclosed.
Tensions Rise as Hamlin Confronts SiriusXM NASCAR Radio
In the wake of the legal settlement, Denny Hamlin voiced frustration with the media’s previous coverage, calling out SiriusXM NASCAR Radio personalities directly. He singled out Larry McReynolds and other hosts, asking for them to take responsibility for their prior comments about the teams challenging NASCAR’s charter procedures. In a post addressed to the show’s promotional account, Hamlin wrote,
“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 also elaborated by highlighting statements he felt were especially unjust, referencing opinions about the legitimacy and experience of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. He called attention to the narrative that these teams should not have opposed the system, noting,
“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
The original dispute intensified when only 23XI and Front Row Motorsports refused to endorse the agreement, prompting certain SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts, including Larry McReynolds, to question the motives of the dissenting teams. Their skepticism was amplified on air, fueling discord among supporters and stakeholders alike.
Fan Responses Intensify Media Scrutiny
Hamlin’s pointed comments swiftly drew strong reactions from fans and listeners, particularly those engaged with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s programming. Calls for media accountability became central in the aftermath, with fans referencing past episodes and interviews they perceived as biased against the challenging teams. One listener said,
“I’m waiting for Moody’s apology for the shitty way he was when he interviewed Mr. Kessler at the very beginning. I’m sure you realize how many hours of On Track have been entirely devoted to you for the last year.”
? Figdets, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Listener
Another voiced skepticism that those criticized by Hamlin would ever admit fault:
“Why would they! They don’t have the decency. But don’t worry, we all know all the B.S they spewed and how bad it makes them look.”
? Greg, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Fan
The legal battle drew attention to much broader issues, with many team owners voicing ongoing concerns about NASCAR’s authority over revenue, intellectual property, and the challenges faced by new or smaller entrants. Following the lawsuit’s resolution, these questions about fairness and transparency have not disappeared, and the restructuring of charters remains a flashpoint in ongoing discussions. NASCAR has framed the outcome as a step toward reinforced partnerships and sustainable growth across the sport.
Lasting Effects on NASCAR’s Relationship with Teams and Media
While the official settlement has ended this specific legal conflict, the Denny Hamlin NASCAR charter lawsuit has deepened the divide between NASCAR leadership, influential media voices like SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts, and outspoken team owners such as Hamlin himself. Fans, commentators, and other stakeholders will continue to watch how the restored charters and evolving revenue models shape the landscape of professional stock car racing moving forward. The expectations for transparency, respect, and accountability—both within the media and across NASCAR’s power structure—appear more urgent than ever after this tumultuous period.
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
I’m waiting for Moody’s apology for the shitty way he was when interviewed Mr. Kessler on the very beginning.
I’m sure you realize how many hours of On Track have been entirely devoted to you for the last year. 😏
— fidget (@fidgetsfive) December 16, 2025
Why would they! They don't have the decency. But don't worry, we all know all the B.S they spewed and how bad it makes them look 😂
— GTPGREG (@GTPGREG) December 16, 2025
