Denny Hamlin Fires Back at NASCAR’s Explosive Counterclaim as 23XI Racing Lawsuit Heats Up Ahead of 2025 Season
The drama in NASCAR has reached fever pitch as the legal battle between 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and the stock car racing giant takes a fiery turn. On a recent episode of the *Actions Detrimental* podcast, 23XI co-owner and NASCAR veteran Denny Hamlin unleashed a passionate defense of his business partner Curtis Polk, slamming NASCAR’s scathing counterclaim that accuses Polk of orchestrating an “illegal cartel” to undermine the sport. With a December 1 jury trial looming, this clash over the 2025 Charter agreements could reshape the future of NASCAR, leaving fans and insiders wondering: will this saga spark long-overdue change, or will it cement NASCAR’s iron grip on the sport?
The controversy erupted when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and CEO Jim France in October, alleging “unlawful monopolization” of premier stock car racing. The teams, who rejected NASCAR’s final Charter proposal in September at Atlanta Motor Speedway, claimed the organization prioritizes its own enrichment over the interests of teams, drivers, and fans. The proposal, delivered with a six-hour ultimatum, reportedly threatened to dismantle the Charter system entirely if not accepted—a move that saw 13 of 15 Cup Series teams sign on, leaving 23XI and Front Row as the lone holdouts. The Charter system, introduced in 2016, guarantees teams race entries and a share of revenue, but the teams argue its terms are unfair, demanding permanent Charters and better financial splits. The final offer did boost team earnings to nearly 50% of NASCAR’s $1.1 billion annual TV deal through 2031, but for 23XI and Front Row, it wasn’t enough.
NASCAR’s counterclaim, detailed in a 30-page court filing, doesn’t pull punches. The organization accuses 23XI, Front Row, and Curtis Polk—Michael Jordan’s longtime business partner and 23XI co-owner—of violating Section 1 of the Sherman Antitrust Act through “anti-competitive collective conduct.” According to NASCAR, Polk spearheaded a scheme to pressure the organization into accepting “collusive terms,” including media campaigns, interference with broadcast negotiations, and threats of event boycotts. The filing labels the teams an “illegal cartel,” alleging Polk coordinated actions through the Race Team Alliance (RTA) to extract more favorable terms, even threatening teams that considered breaking ranks. NASCAR argues this behavior harmed the sport’s Charter system and media rights renewals, seeking an injunction to strip guaranteed race entries if the teams persist with their legal challenge.
Denny Hamlin didn’t hold back in his response, dismissing NASCAR’s attack on Polk as absurd. “My favorite was saying that Curtis doesn’t know NASCAR business,” Hamlin quipped on his podcast. “That’s like saying a chef doesn’t know how to cook. He’s built Michael Jordan’s empire for the last 30 years. The guy knows business.” Hamlin praised Polk as a “pioneer” and “trailblazer” whose innovative ideas have propelled 23XI since its 2021 debut, including eight Cup Series wins and a 2024 regular season championship with driver Tyler Reddick. “I’m proud to be in business with him,” Hamlin added, signaling unwavering support as the legal storm intensifies.
The teams’ attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, also fired back, calling NASCAR’s counterclaim a “meritless distraction” meant to divert attention from its own “unlawful, monopolistic actions.” In a statement shared via the Sports Business Journal, Kessler argued that NASCAR initially agreed to joint negotiations with the teams, only to impose harsh Charter terms when talks broke down. “My clients’ lawsuit has always been about transforming NASCAR into a more competitive and fair sport,” he said, vowing to fight on. With both sides entrenched, the December trial promises to be a defining moment for the sport’s power dynamics.
For fans, the off-track tension raises big questions. Could this legal showdown disrupt the 2025 season, impacting team alliances, sponsorships, or on-track competition? Some see 23XI and Front Row as champions of fairness, pushing for a restructured NASCAR where teams aren’t squeezed by a governing body wielding unchecked control. Others worry the dispute might destabilize the sport, especially if NASCAR’s injunction bid succeeds and strips the teams of Charter guarantees. The stakes are sky-high for 23XI, which fields drivers Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and rookie Riley Herbst, and Front Row, which also plans to expand to three full-time cars in 2025.
As the saga unfolds, one thing is clear: this isn’t just about contracts—it’s about the soul of stock car racing. Will NASCAR bend under pressure, or will it tighten its grip? The December trial could set a precedent for team ownership rights, financial fairness, and the balance of power in NASCAR for years to come. Buckle up—this race is far from over. What do you think? Are 23XI and Front Row fighting the good fight, or is NASCAR right to protect its structure? Drop your thoughts below and stay tuned for more twists in this high-octane drama.
