Denny Hamlin raised the temperature as he pushed back against NASCAR and parts of the media ahead of the start of the antitrust trial involving his team, 23XI Racing. His comments followed ESPN senior writer Ryan McGee’s posting of a preview of the case on X. Hamlin stated that the article was crafted to protect NASCAR and mislead fans, calling it “propaganda.”
The exchange drew more attention to a trial that could significantly alter major aspects of the sport’s business structure. 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan, and Curtis Polk, and Front Row Motorsports claim that NASCAR has used its power for years to control the top level of stock car racing. The trial begins Monday in Charlotte.
Denny Hamlin Calls Out ESPN Writer and NASCAR Officials
The dispute began when McGee shared his story titled, “23XI vs. NASCAR trial: Why Jordan wants to tear up stock car racing.”
“Please give credit to @mforde for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative. Continuous lies about our stance, NASCAR’s motives for its actions, and a continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know better Hamlin replied sharply and accused NASCAR’s senior vice president of communications, Mike Forde, of shaping the message.”
“Tried to hit it down the middle, thus all the ‘(Fill in the blank) believes…’ and ‘(Fill in the blank) argues…’ Sorry you disagree, but thanks for reading. See you Monday McGee responded, saying the article was fair.”
“Our fans have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades. Narratives pushed by the media that are intimidated by them. Lies are over starting Monday morning. It’s time for the truth. It’s time for a change, Hamlin added.”
Key Issues Behind the Antitrust Trial
The case was brought by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, accusing NASCAR of violating Section 2 of the Sherman Act. The teams argue NASCAR controls too much of the sport, including charter agreements, 15 major tracks through Speedway Motorsports, and a media rights deal worth $7.7 billion running from 2025 to 2031. The lawsuit says these systems limit competition and benefit the France family, who oversee NASCAR.
Charters, created in 2016, guarantee teams a place in every race. But they include limits on racing in other series unless NASCAR approves. The plaintiffs say these limits slow down growth and new ideas.
Several recent court decisions have worked against NASCAR. On November 14, 2025, U.S. District Judge Frank D. Whitney ruled that NASCAR has monopoly power in premier stock car racing and denied NASCAR’s request to dismiss that part of the case. Judge Kenneth Bell also dismissed NASCAR’s counterclaims, accusing the teams of breaking contracts.
Internal Messages and What to Expect in Court
The discovery process revealed internal texts from NASCAR leaders Steve Phelps and Steve O’Donnell. Some messages criticized team owners like Richard Childress and made negative comments about fans.
The trial starts December 1, 2025, in the U.S. District Court in Charlotte. It is expected to last about 10 days. Both sides have more than 1,000 exhibits, including emails, financial records, and expert reports on how the sport operates.
If 23XI and Front Row win, the damages could reach more than $1 billion, which may be tripled under antitrust rules. They are also seeking changes to NASCAR’s charter system, including new revenue terms and fewer restrictions. NASCAR says its model helps the sport stay stable and promises to defend it. The case could continue into higher courts and may shape how the sport is run for years.
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