Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and veteran NASCAR driver, is insisting on an on-air apology after the much-publicized charter lawsuit reached a settlement last week. The dispute, which involved 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR leadership, ended with a resolution granting teams a permanent charter, culminating one of the sport’s most contentious legal showdowns. The focus keyword, Denny Hamlin charter lawsuit apology, is at the heart of this recent controversy.
The legal battle had roiled the sport for months, exposing deep divisions between the teams and NASCAR executives, led by Jim France. Hamlin, perceived as the public face and emotional core for the teams in this dispute, expressed elation over the outcome, which he believes is a victory for the future unity of stock car racing. With the lawsuit concluded, Hamlin has shifted his attention to public accountability for the negative narratives spread during the legal proceedings, calling out notable media personalities for what he describes as biased or unfounded critiques against the teams involved.
Hamlin Points Fingers at SiriusXM Radio and Larry McReynolds
Following the settlement, Hamlin turned his focus to SiriusXM Radio’s Channel 90 and analyst Larry McReynolds, criticizing prior coverage that he felt undermined the legitimacy of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ claims. Hamlin, vocal across social media platforms, singled out McReynolds during promotional activities for a new SiriusXM show, openly demanding an apology for comments made when the lawsuit initially surfaced.
He expressed his criticism directly through X, stating:
“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, 23XI Racing
Hamlin’s post drew a wave of attention, spotlighting ongoing tensions between high-profile drivers and media voices. Many listeners were reminded of the debates that unfolded on SiriusXM Radio, where some hosts appeared to align closely with NASCAR’s administration and questioned the motivations of newer teams taking bold steps in the business structure of the sport.
Debate With Fans: Why the Apology Matters
The demand for an on-air apology by Denny Hamlin created significant debate among NASCAR fans, with some questioning whether on-air personalities should be expected to retract previously held opinions and commentary. One fan highlighted that talk show hosts are entitled to express their views, as discussing different perspectives is the essence of live sports programming. In response, Hamlin reiterated the importance of correcting misinformation in light of the facts revealed by the lawsuit’s conclusion.
“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, 23XI Racing
Hamlin’s response was calculated and pointed, emphasizing the contrast between the noise that surrounded the lawsuit and the realities confirmed after the settlement. Fans noted Hamlin’s composed approach, commending how he advocated for transparency and an authentic re-examination of prior narratives.
Highlighting the Media’s Role in the Public Perception
Continuing his advocacy for public accountability, Hamlin posted additional remarks on X, spelling out specific examples of what he considered dismissive or undermining commentary from Channel 90 during the legal proceedings. He recalled the perception that 23XI Racing was overreaching by attempting to influence core changes within the sport, and that Front Row Motorsports was doubted due to its relatively shorter history compared to other established teams.
“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, 23XI Racing
By spotlighting these quotes, Hamlin sought to reinforce that media narratives took a negative tone towards the teams who challenged the NASCAR charter status quo. He made it clear he wasn’t just targeting individuals, but holding the wider sports media accountable for what he views as perpetuating false impressions that were later directly contradicted by legal findings and the final agreement.
Response From SiriusXM Show’s Co-Host Steers Toward Resolution
Although Larry McReynolds, the primary target of Hamlin’s criticisms, has stayed silent so far, his co-host Brad Gillie responded to Hamlin’s pointed remarks. Gillie encouraged Hamlin and the broader community to move forward, advocating for unity and positive momentum in the sport rather than continued public disputes.
“BG: I realize you’re responding to Larry, but shouldn’t we let the animosity end? I would love to see us all positively move the sport forward with unity and grace.
DH: Animosity ends with accountability.”
— Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
Hamlin’s reply reiterated his position—genuine reconciliation in NASCAR depends on taking responsibility for public misrepresentations, not just on leaving disagreements in the past. The exchange between Hamlin and Gillie highlights the ongoing challenge for prominent voices in motorsports media to address past commentary in light of new information, especially when those narratives gained traction during unresolved legal arguments.
What the Settlement Means for NASCAR and Its Teams
The resolution of this high-stakes charter lawsuit secures a more permanent future for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, while also setting a precedent for team rights going forward in the evolving business of NASCAR. For Hamlin, who has secured three Daytona 500 victories and played a major role in this negotiation, the outcome is not just professional but deeply personal—he has become an emblem of drivers advocating for structural change within the sport.
Hamlin’s insistence on public accountability reflects a larger concern within NASCAR about how media commentary shapes fan perceptions, influences sponsor decisions, and impacts the careers of those involved. While the settlement may bring legal closure, the subsequent demand for apology makes clear that the cultural and reputational implications of the dispute are far from over. As the dust settles, attention will remain fixed on whether influential analysts like Larry McReynolds acknowledge Hamlin’s call for a public correction, and how this will affect the relationship between teams, media, and NASCAR leadership in the future.
With the Denny Hamlin charter lawsuit apology now at the forefront of motorsports headlines, the story serves as a powerful reminder of the influence of media narratives and the ongoing demand for transparency in one of America’s most-watched sports industries. Fans and observers now look to see if the calls for accountability will be addressed and if unity within NASCAR can move forward post-settlement.
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
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
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
Animosity ends with accountability.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) December 16, 2025
