Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan, recently broke his silence regarding the ongoing controversial lawsuit against NASCAR, providing insights amid negative court reports. The lawsuit, initiated last year by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, challenges NASCAR over alleged monopolistic practices after both teams refused to sign the new charter agreement.

Under Hamlin and Jordan’s leadership, the alliance initially secured several injunctions in their favor. However, recent court developments suggest NASCAR may be gaining the upper hand. Reports indicate that judges are unimpressed with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports because the teams are currently benefiting from the very deal they oppose in court this season. At an event at Kansas Motor Speedway, Hamlin addressed these reports, stating that no new rulings have been made and the status quo will continue for now. He expressed confidence in his legal team despite the unfavorable media narratives.

Hamlin also highlighted the potential consequences if 23XI loses the case midway through the season. Such an outcome would cause significant disruption, as the team would struggle to justify its position to sponsors without a guaranteed place to compete. This scenario could lead to their drivers-Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst-becoming free agents able to move to other teams along with their sponsors.

In addition to discussing the lawsuit, Hamlin commented on NASCAR’s upcoming All-Star race changes at North Wilkesboro, specifically the introduction of promoter’s cautions that could alter race dynamics. Hamlin expressed a lack of concern, noting that drivers would likely have time to adjust to any sudden cautions, although an early yellow flag could cause chaos. His measured response suggests he is neither excited nor overly worried about the changes, which has raised some concern among fans about the potential for a less thrilling race.

Overall, Hamlin’s remarks reflect a cautious optimism regarding the legal battle’s progression and a focus on maintaining competitive performance despite the ongoing off-track challenges. The lawsuit remains a pivotal issue for 23XI Racing’s future in NASCAR, with significant implications for the team’s operations and driver contracts depending on the court’s final decisions.