Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, is calling for a public apology after the recent settlement of the NASCAR lawsuit involving his team and Front Row Motorsports. Despite the agreement’s conclusion, Hamlin has directed pointed remarks at FOX Sports analyst and renowned Crew Chief Larry McReynolds, challenging repeated criticisms made during the legal conflict, and insisting the narrative around 23XI’s role be reconsidered.
The Tensions Behind the Lawsuit and Criticisms from Larry McReynolds
At the center of the dispute was the 2024 antitrust lawsuit brought by 23XI Racing, backed by Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR after a fraught negotiation process over the 2025 NASCAR Charter Agreement. The controversy sparked debate throughout the sport, dividing loyalties between those supporting the race teams and those siding with the established institution of NASCAR.
Throughout the public fallout, Larry McReynolds emerged as a vocal supporter of NASCAR’s leadership. He expressed his opinions through his platforms, notably on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio’s “On Track” show, frequently critiquing the lawsuit and the motives of the plaintiff teams. In October 2024, McReynolds questioned 23XI Racing’s position, stating,
“We’ve got an organization [23XI] that’s been here not even four years that all of a sudden is saying ‘we gotta change the way NASCAR’s run’.”
— Larry McReynolds, Analyst
His outlook suggested skepticism towards the relatively new involvement of 23XI Racing—established with high-profile figures like Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—and their push for reform within the sport’s governing framework. These comments were perceived by fans and team insiders as critical, and at times dismissive, of the co-plaintiffs’ perspective.
In spring 2025, as litigation intensified, McReynolds further claimed that Front Row Motorsports, under Jenkins’ leadership, was essentially manipulated into joining forces with 23XI Racing. He suggested they were brought in purely for tactical reasons, remarking that the team
“knew they needed an ally to even remotely have a leg to stand on,”
implying that FRM was convinced to participate rather than being a committed plaintiff from the outset.
Denny Hamlin’s Push for Accountability After Settlement
After NASCAR’s countersuit and the ultimate resolution of the case, Denny Hamlin revisited these earlier criticisms, demanding McReynolds and his colleagues acknowledge how their public comments fueled negative sentiment toward 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. Hamlin directly questioned whether McReynolds or anyone associated with his coverage would now apologize.
He 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 reinforced his argument by citing specific instances, referencing past remarks by McReynolds and others that he found disparaging. He recalled statements such as,
“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,”
as well as skepticism over the teams’ decisions when “13 other teams signed it.”
Hamlin emphasized his frustration in pointing out the damage these types of comments caused, adding,
“Oh and if you could stop spreading disinformation to your listeners about our lawsuit I would really appreciate it. Thanks.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner of 23XI Racing
Hamlin Cites the Need for Reflection and Change in Attitudes
Hamlin’s grievances were met with questions from fans about the necessity for an apology. His answer highlighted a desire for analysts like McReynolds to reassess their positions with the benefit of hindsight, suggesting,
“took the time to analyze the situation post settlement and revise his thoughts.”
Throughout the legal process, Hamlin and McReynolds occasionally engaged in pointed exchanges, underscoring a wider division within the NASCAR community regarding who ultimately benefits from the status quo and who is marginalized by institutional resistance to change. These disputes were not limited to legal matters; they extended to social media and broadcast platforms, capturing the complex dynamics shaping the modern NASCAR landscape.
As of the latest updates, McReynolds had not published a direct response to Hamlin’s public demands, and anticipation built ahead of the scheduled airing of his program “On Track.”
NASCAR and Teams Agree to Settle Antitrust Dispute
The legal standoff officially ended when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports accepted a settlement offer from NASCAR, closing a chapter marked by intense negotiation and high-profile public arguments. While the details of the agreement remain largely confidential, the end of the lawsuit marks a crucial development for all parties involved—including Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, the Front Row Motorsports team led by Jenkins, NASCAR, and analysts such as McReynolds.
The conclusion could reshape relationships between teams and NASCAR’s leadership, as well as impact media coverage of future disputes. Fans, participants, and analysts are now looking for resolution not only in the courtroom but in public perceptions and accountability as well. The reaction to Hamlin’s call for an apology—and whether McReynolds will respond—remains a focal point for discussion and signals ongoing changes within the racing community.
With the Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit apology now part of the post-settlement dialogue, the sport’s key figures—like Hamlin, McReynolds, Jenkins, and Michael Jordan—will be closely watched for how they shape the NASCAR narrative moving forward.
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
After it was announced that @NASCAR has filed a countersuit against @23XIRacing and @Team_FRM, @LarryMac28 suggested that FRM is a "victim" in the whole situation. pic.twitter.com/j4rklCrNt5
— Kyle Dalton (@kdsportswriter) March 5, 2025
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
Oh and if you could stop spreading disinformation to your listeners about our lawsuit I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 13, 2024
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 (@dennyhamlin) December 16, 2025
