Denny Hamlin is again at the center of NASCAR’s charter debate, this time after a major legal settlement. Following the end of the federal antitrust lawsuit between NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports, Hamlin publicly called for an apology from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts. His comments came days after the case was settled in the U.S. District Court.
The lawsuit focused on NASCAR’s charter system and how teams share revenue and gain entry into races. Denny Hamlin, a co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, said earlier criticism from media voices now looks misplaced based on the evidence presented during the trial. The dispute has added another chapter to the ongoing tension between team owners, NASCAR leadership, and media voices tied closely to the sport.
Lawsuit settlement restores charters
The antitrust lawsuit ended on December 11, 2025, after nine days in federal court. 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports challenged NASCAR’s charter system after refusing to sign. Trial testimony included claims that NASCAR owed the teams $364.7 million and underpaid all chartered teams by $20.3 billion. The case settled before a verdict, restoring six charters to 23XI and Front Row Motorsports under undisclosed terms.
Denny Hamlin challenges the NASCAR media
After the settlement, Hamlin posted on social media and addressed SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, including Larry McReynolds. Responding to a promotional post for McReynolds’ show “On Track,” He wrote, “Good morning. Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out, will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?”
Hamlin followed up with another post, listing examples of remarks he believed were unfair. “I believe it was ‘how dare them for trying to come in and change the sport. 23XI hasn’t been around long enough, and FRM wasn’t good enough. Also, how about ‘I don’t know what their problem is, 13 other teams signed it’? Just to name a few examples.”
When the lawsuit was filed, 13 other teams signed the charter agreement. SiriusXM hosts, including McReynolds, questioned why 23XI and Front Row Motorsports did not follow the same path.
Fan reactions follow Hamlin’s comments
Hamlin’s posts sparked reaction from fans online, including listeners of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Some echoed his call for accountability and pointed to past coverage of the lawsuit.
“I’m waiting for Moody’s apology for the shitty way he was when he interviewed Mr. Kessler at the very beginning. I’m sure you realize how many hours of On Track have been entirely devoted to you for the last year. Figdets said.”
Another fan expressed doubt that any apology would come. “Why would they! They don’t have the decency. But don’t worry, we all know all the B.S they spewed and how bad it makes them look. Greg said.”
The lawsuit itself arose from broader concerns among team owners regarding NASCAR’s control over revenue, intellectual property, and barriers to new teams. With the legal case resolved, attention now turns to how the charter system operates moving forward. NASCAR has said the agreement strengthens partnerships and focuses on long-term growth.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Denny Hamlin Addresses NASCAR Media After Antitrust Settlement appeared first on Heavy Sports.