The conclusion of the high-profile Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit settlement has reignited debate across the racing world, as Kyle Busch offered sharp commentary on the outcome during a recent interview. The protracted dispute, which centered on antitrust claims from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, ended in December 2025 with a confidential settlement, leaving fans and teams divided over what was truly achieved.
Background of the Antitrust Dispute Between NASCAR and Major Team Owners
Since October 2024, the NASCAR community has been split between those backing the governing body and those supporting Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin—the co-owners of 23XI Racing. The conflict escalated when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) filed an antitrust lawsuit in the US District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Their claim accused NASCAR of exerting monopoly control over contract terms and the lucrative charter system, seeking a more equitable share in revenue distribution and governance for the teams.
In December 2025, after more than a year of negotiations and courtroom activity, NASCAR reached a settlement with 23XI and FRM. While the final agreement granted certain advantages to the teams, most notably around the future of charters, the specific financial arrangements and broader impact remained undisclosed to the public. This secrecy only added fuel to ongoing speculation about whether any party genuinely emerged victorious.
Kyle Busch’s Take: Nobody Really Won Except the Lawyers
Throughout the legal battle, Kyle Busch kept a close eye on the developments, seeking clarity on whether the legal actions would prompt real changes. Speaking recently at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Busch offered his take on the resolution and didn’t shy away from casting a skeptical eye on all parties involved. He mused that while the settlement may end a chapter, it did not provide a definitive win for either the plaintiffs or NASCAR itself.
Busch addressed the lawsuit’s impact on NASCAR and the teams in a candid statement:
“Obviously, just getting through all of that as better for this sport, you know. So, there were two losing sides, and one winning side as there is in every single lawsuit, court case, and that being the plaintiff independent both lose and the attorneys win. So, obviously it is what it is, just happy to see it over with and case settled. We’ll see how things go forward.”
– Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Busch, who competes for Richard Childress Racing, reframed the end of the legal showdown as ultimately helping the sport by allowing everyone to move forward. Still, his comments suggested some skepticism regarding whether either NASCAR or the teams really benefited meaningfully, hinting instead that legal professionals profited the most from the prolonged process.
Implications of the Settlement for NASCAR and Its Teams
The confidential nature of the financial settlement terms left fans and stakeholders questioning the effectiveness of the lawsuit. However, significant structural changes followed the deal’s announcement—most notably, Cup Series teams reportedly secured permanent charters starting in 2026, a shift from the yearly renewals that had previously caused instability for organizations and investors.
With the new arrangement, all 15 Cup Series teams gained what insiders have called “evergreen” status, which is expected to improve both the long-term value and operational stability of each team. According to team investors and industry experts, the charter system’s permanent nature has caused charter values to rise, potentially reshaping the economics of the series. Observers, including those closely aligned with Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, hope these reforms will foster a more competitive and sustainable business model for NASCAR moving ahead.
Nonetheless, the tangible on-track and financial impact of the Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit settlement will only become fully apparent when the 2026 season kicks off in February, as stakeholders monitor how these adjustments influence both the competition and overall business dynamics.
Kyle Busch Reflects on Format Changes and the Challenges of Racing
During the same interview where Busch weighed in on the legal saga, he touched on NASCAR’s evolving format and the rigors of competing at a high level. While discussing the challenges teams face throughout the season, Busch stated:
“Any crashes will kill your championship run”
– Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
With the adoption of new rules and the return to older competition formats, Busch’s focus underscored the thin margins separating contenders from also-rans in the physically and mentally demanding Cup Series environment.
A Personal Tribute: Remembering Greg Biffle
Although recent headlines revolved around legal disputes and competitive rivalries, Busch also revealed a more personal side during his media appearances. Reflecting on his friendship with the late Greg Biffle, Busch recalled their off-track adventures and the lasting bond they shared over nearly two decades in the Cup Series.
“Myself and Greg we had a really fun relationship, it was really cool. We would go to the sand dunes and stuff like that. I mean there’s a lot of people that talk about him and the sand dunes, he had a big passion for all of that.”
– Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Busch detailed how Biffle introduced him to recreational activities away from the track, strengthening their connection beyond their fierce on-track rivalry:
“And he kind of got me hooked in it when we were doing the sand cars and the side-by-sides and stuff. So we spent a lot of time out there. Before Brexton started racing, we were out there once or twice a year, out at his compound or Ron Pratt’s compound or you know, somewhere. So, it was always really fun.”
– Kyle Busch, NASCAR driver
Greg Biffle, who retired from NASCAR Cup Series racing at the end of 2022, passed away in December 2025 in a tragic Cessna C550 plane crash alongside his wife and daughter. Busch’s memories highlighted the sense of camaraderie and personal loss felt by those close to Biffle within the NASCAR community.
What’s Next After the Denny Hamlin Lawsuit Resolution?
As NASCAR enters its 2026 season, the racing world waits to see how the settlement will shape team relations, governance, and the competitive structure of the series. The permanent charter system awarded to teams marks a significant operational change in the wake of the dispute, offering long-desired security and a potentially more lucrative framework for all stakeholders. Yet, questions linger regarding the specifics of the settlement and whether the modifications will deliver lasting benefits.
Meanwhile, as drivers like Kyle Busch prepare for another demanding championship pursuit, the broader NASCAR landscape is poised for transition. The combination of new regulations, enhanced team stability, and lingering rivalries—including those involving prominent figures such as Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan, and the leadership at NASCAR—guarantees a closely watched season ahead, with the true consequences of the lawsuit only beginning to unfold.
.@KyleBusch gave his thoughts on NASCAR’s new/old format, testing at @NWBSpeedway, and his friendship with Greg Biffle.
“Any crashes will kill your championship run”#NASCAR pic.twitter.com/HGlnHnAQOh
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) January 13, 2026
