Denny Hamlin, celebrated NASCAR Cup Series driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing, publicly called for an apology from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio host Larry McReynolds after a key antitrust lawsuit settlement involving NASCAR, Front Row Motorsports, and the France family. This latest development adds to the ongoing tension in NASCAR following the reactions to the 2024 lawsuit, centering both public scrutiny and accountability among sport insiders.
Hamlin Takes Issue with Media Criticism After Legal Battle
On Tuesday, shortly after the high-profile resolution of the legal dispute between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR, Hamlin addressed comments made by Larry McReynolds directly on social media. The initial lawsuit, filed in October 2024, drew skepticism from some racing veterans, notably McReynolds, who questioned the motives of the new racing organizations for challenging NASCAR’s operations.
McReynolds, a respected figure in the NASCAR community and long-time Fox commentator, expressed his concerns at the time. His remarks gained attention as he questioned whether it was appropriate for relatively new teams like 23XI Racing to demand major changes in NASCAR’s governance.
“We’ve got an organization (23XI Racing) that’s been here not even four years that all of a sudden is saying ‘we gotta change the way NASCAR’s run’,”
McReynolds, NASCAR crew chief and broadcaster
Hamlin’s Public Demand for an Apology
Following the case’s settlement, Hamlin responded to McReynolds’ statement with a pointed question about accountability from those who doubted the lawsuit’s legitimacy. Using his social media platform, Hamlin addressed McReynolds and the SiriusXM NASCAR Radio team directly.
“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, NASCAR Cup Series driver and 23XI co-owner
Hamlin’s message underlined the emotional intensity of the dispute and the unresolved tension surrounding public perceptions of the teams that brought the case to court. The question remains whether McReynolds or SiriusXM NASCAR Radio intend to respond or walk back their earlier comments about the plaintiff teams, which included Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
Outcome of the Lawsuit and Its Impact on 23XI Racing
While there has been no official response from McReynolds, the settlement marks a significant win for Hamlin and his team. The outcome included the allocation of permanent charters, securing both stability and a future competitive advantage for 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. As Hamlin regroups from the lengthy legal proceedings, he is positioned to refocus efforts on his driving career with sights on the 2026 championship, as well as continued improvements for his organization.
The dispute and its public fallout highlight both shifting power dynamics and growing pains as new teams vie for influence within NASCAR. The reactions from longtime insiders like McReynolds underscore the complex emotions involved as traditional leadership meets fresh challengers, intensified by focused calls for accountability.
This recent episode has brought Hamlin’s antitrust lawsuit reaction into sharp relief, igniting further discussion about respect, recognition, and the voices shaping the next era of NASCAR.
More fire from @LarryMac28 on @SiriusXMNASCAR in regard to the @dennyhamlin @23XIRacing Michael Jordan and @Team_FRM #NASCAR lawsuit:
"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…
— Brett Winningham (@NASCAR_BRETT) October 2, 2024
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
