Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has sent a clear message to NASCAR amid the ongoing legal battle involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) over their charter privileges. Hamlin reaffirmed that they are fully prepared to take the legal fight to the next level and go all the way if necessary. This statement came during a press conference ahead of the NASCAR Cup race at Pocono Raceway, where Hamlin emphasized that while he has hoped for a peaceful resolution, the opposing side has been inconsistent, and therefore 23XI and FRM are ready for a full legal battle.

The dispute centers around the charter system in NASCAR, which grants teams guaranteed entry into races along with financial benefits such as revenue sharing. Earlier in June 2025, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction from December 2024 that had allowed 23XI and FRM to retain their charters while the lawsuit proceeds. This ruling threatens to strip both teams of their three charters each, forcing them to compete as “open” entries without guaranteed race qualifications or the associated financial perks.

The original lawsuit, filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports in October 2024, challenges NASCAR’s charter agreement on antitrust grounds, accusing NASCAR and the France family of monopolistic and anti-competitive practices. NASCAR has countersued, alleging that the teams and their owners engaged in anti-competitive behavior, including attempts to form a cartel. The full case is scheduled for a hearing on December 1, 2025, leaving the remainder of the 2025 NASCAR season uncertain for these teams.

In response to the recent legal developments, 23XI and FRM have petitioned for a rehearing by the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which temporarily paused the injunction’s voiding as of June 20, 2025. Their legal team argues that the three-judge panel did not fully address the significant issues, and they are confident the full court will reconsider the matter.

Despite the legal distractions, Denny Hamlin has remained focused on racing. Fresh off paternity leave, he secured the pole position for the Great American Getaway 400 at Pocono Raceway by posting the fastest qualifying lap at 172.599 mph. Hamlin attributed his performance partly to being more rested than his competitors. He and his partner Jordon Fish recently welcomed their child, Jameson Drew Hamlin, adding to their family of five.

Hamlin has won three races so far in the 2025 season and is well-positioned for a strong finish, especially at Pocono Raceway, where he has historically performed well with seven wins, including one in 2023. The Pocono race was scheduled to start at 2 pm ET on June 22, 2025.

In summary, Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing remain steadfast in their legal challenge against NASCAR’s charter system, prepared to pursue the case through the courts while continuing to compete on the track. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for their participation and financial status in the NASCAR Cup Series for the remainder of the season and beyond.