Denny Hamlin isn’t rattled by a recent federal appeals court decision that overturned an injunction recognizing his team, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports as chartered NASCAR teams amid their ongoing antitrust battle with the league.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s FireKeepers Casino 400, Hamlin brushed off the ruling by a three-judge panel from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia. “That’s just one small part of the broader legal fight,” he said. “I’m not deterred at all. We’re in good shape.”
Hamlin added that his business partner, NBA legend Michael Jordan, shares his confidence. “He remains very optimistic, just like I do,” he said.
NASCAR has yet to issue a statement in response to the court’s decision.
The dispute stems from last year, when 23XI and Front Row declined to sign updated charter agreements and later filed an antitrust lawsuit. The teams sought a temporary injunction to maintain their charter status for the current season. Without it, they’re at risk of losing guaranteed starting spots and significant financial benefits. The court’s recent decision sided with NASCAR, effectively removing that temporary protection for now.
Hamlin said his teams are considering all available legal options. Still, he stressed that the uncertainty won’t change their commitment to compete.
Both 23XI and Front Row are winless this season, and the current charter agreement includes a clause that limits the teams’ ability to sue NASCAR, which they say made the injunction essential. 23XI also argued that a lack of charter security could jeopardize driver Tyler Reddick’s contract, which reportedly hinges on the team maintaining a charter.
Despite that concern, Hamlin said he isn’t worried about losing talent due to the legal limbo. “I’m not focused on that right now,” he said.
Reddick, who was the 2023 regular-season champion and a playoff contender, is currently ranked sixth in the Cup Series standings as the teams head into Michigan.
In NASCAR, charters function similarly to sports franchises — offering guaranteed entry into races and a share of revenue — but they are subject to expiration and can be revoked. Without charter protection, teams would have to qualify each week based on speed and would earn significantly less money.
Hamlin noted that running without a charter could cost the teams tens of millions of dollars, but emphasized their determination to compete regardless. “We’re prepared to run open if necessary,” he said. “We’ll race and meet all our obligations. We’re in this for the long haul.”
The larger antitrust case isn’t scheduled to go to trial until December. In the meantime, NASCAR has not announced what it plans to do with the six charters held by 23XI and Front Row if they are relinquished. Currently, there are 36 chartered teams competing in a 40-car field.
“We feel the facts support our case,” Hamlin added. “Even the judges seemed to suggest that we might be in a favorable position going forward.”
