Denny Hamlin, a prominent NASCAR driver and team co-owner, has issued a firm declaration that the ongoing NASCAR lawsuit will proceed to trial in December regardless of external pressures. The antitrust case, initiated in October 2024 by his team 23XI Racing along with Front Row Motorsports, alleges monopolistic practices by NASCAR that impede the sport’s growth and fairness.

Since co-founding 23XI Racing in 2021 with Michael Jordan and Curtis Polk, Hamlin has faced an uphill battle navigating both racing and legal challenges. Despite setbacks in court rulings on charter agreements, he remains resolute in pursuing the lawsuit to its conclusion, underscoring the dispute’s critical importance to his team’s future and to NASCAR’s competitive landscape.

Details Behind the NASCAR Antitrust Lawsuit

The lawsuit was filed on October 2, 2024, in the Western District of North Carolina by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, accusing NASCAR of monopolistic behavior that restricts team growth. Central to the complaint is a clause in the latest charter agreement that bars teams from suing the sanctioning body, a requirement both teams refused to accept but still aimed to participate as chartered teams in the 2025 season.

Initially, the teams sought an injunction to allow them to compete as chartered entities without signing agreements that nullify their antitrust claims. Their first request was denied in November 2024, but a December ruling granted the injunction, securing three-car team lineups for both 23XI and Front Row Motorsports. This ruling enabled drivers like Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst for 23XI, and Noah Gragson, Zane Smith, and Todd Gilliland for Front Row, to continue as chartered teams at least temporarily.

NASCAR contested the injunction, requesting a delay, which was initially rejected. Yet after an appeal, the injunction was overturned in May 2025. The appellate panel concluded that the clause in the charter agreement itself was not unlawful, and teams cannot refuse to sign it while insisting on charter status. This decision challenges 23XI and Front Row to either comply with NASCAR’s terms or potentially compete as open teams without charter protections for the remainder of the season. Despite this, the lawsuit itself remains on track to go to trial on December 1, 2025.

Denny Hamlin’s Unwavering Commitment to the Legal Battle

When asked whether he preferred a settlement to avoid court, Hamlin answered decisively in an interview before the Pocono race:

I have stated publicly that I’ve always hoped cooler heads would prevail, but I can tell you this is not on our end that needs the cool heads. I think the difference is that they are saying different things, so we’re prepared to go all the way.

—Denny Hamlin

This statement demonstrates Hamlin’s readiness to push forward, reinforcing his prior promise that 23XI Racing would continue to compete under any circumstance, even as an open team without charter protections. Following the successful NASCAR appeal in Michigan, Hamlin reiterated this commitment with,

Same as what we said in December is that we’re committed to running this season open if we have to, even before they decided on the injunction. So we’re going to race and fulfill all of our commitments no matter what. We’re here to race. Our team is going to be here for the long haul, and we’re confident of that.

—Denny Hamlin

His determination underscores both the risks and the stakes involved for 23XI Racing. Running without charters could impact the team financially, yet Hamlin’s focus remains on racing and defending what he believes to be fair competition only accessible by challenging NASCAR’s policies.

Leadership and Transparency with the 23XI Racing Team

Throughout this uncertain period, Hamlin has prioritized clear communication with his staff and drivers. He has maintained transparency about the lawsuit’s progress and its potential consequences. Hamlin emphasized,

We’ve been very transparent with all of our employees during this entire process. Every time something comes along, we communicate that before it becomes public, so we’ve been very transparent. One of the things we remain steadfast in saying is that nothing will change in their lives, and we’re going to make sure that everyone’s taken care of and everyone should plan on work as scheduled,

—Denny Hamlin

This ongoing openness aims to protect team morale and assure employees that their roles will remain stable amid the legal turmoil. His leadership reflects a commitment to both the competitive and human sides of running a racing team.

Legal Arguments and Court Developments in the Case

The courtroom battle has involved sharp rhetoric and complex legal maneuvering. NASCAR’s attorney Chris Yates described the Race Team Alliance—an organization formed by competing teams for better charter conditions—as a “cartel,” highlighting the tension within NASCAR’s ecosystem. On the opposition side, 23XI and Front Row’s lawyer Jeffrey Kessler criticized NASCAR’s governance structure, referring to it as a “personal fee stub” benefiting the France family, who own NASCAR.

Meanwhile, the court approved Stewart-Haas Racing’s transfer of charters—one each to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports—initially confirming their three-car configurations. However, the successful appeal that overturned the injunction introduces new uncertainties about the teams’ charter status moving forward.

Hamlin’s Return to Form: Dominating Qualifying at Pocono

Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Denny Hamlin demonstrated his racing prowess with a commanding performance at Pocono Raceway. After a week off, he secured the pole position for The Great American Getaway 400, clocking a lap at 172.599 mph in his No. 11 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing. This marked a significant return after missing the inaugural Mexico City race due to the birth of his son, for which he had obtained a NASCAR waiver to remain playoff-eligible.

Hamlin’s ability to rebound was evident, especially since his practice pace was not among the top-ten, and he qualified 15th initially. Reflecting on the pole-winning lap, he stated,

We typically can step up from practice. We had good adjustments, so never really panicked too much. And obviously because I was a little more rested than the rest of the field right there, I was able to show a little more speed.

—Denny Hamlin

The strong qualifying effort was part of a larger trend at Pocono, where Hamlin has been the most successful driver historically, with seven wins and consistent top finishes in recent races. The performance also highlighted Toyota’s strength at the track, with six Toyotas finishing in the top 10, including 23XI Racing’s Tyler Reddick in eighth place.

The Road Ahead: Racing and Legal Battles Intertwined

Hamlin’s recent performances on the track suggest he remains undistracted by the legal challenges hanging over his team and NASCAR as a whole. He aims to continue capitalizing on momentum from recent races, keeping his focus on victories and championship contention even as the lawsuit looms.

With the trial scheduled for December 1, 2025, the outcome of this case could have lasting implications not only for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports but also for the structure of NASCAR itself. Should Hamlin and the other teams prevail, the sanctioning body may face significant pressure to change its charter agreements and how it governs competition.

The persistence of Hamlin and his co-plaintiffs reflects a broader struggle for autonomy and fairness within professional racing, signaling that the sport could be on the cusp of transformative change depending on how the legal process unfolds.