Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit advantage has entered a critical stage as the antitrust trial between NASCAR and 23XI Racing unfolds in Charlotte’s federal courtroom this week. With Michael Jordan’s potential testimony looming on Friday, former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace has publicly stated that 23XI Racing may now have the upper hand over NASCAR due to the evidence made public during the proceedings.
Kenny Wallace Highlights the Influence of Documents and Evidence
Kenny Wallace weighed in on the trial’s latest developments via his YouTube channel, attributing 23XI Racing’s momentum to the amount of documentation, texts, and financial information made public as part of the trial record. He shared his perspective on how these concrete pieces of evidence could determine the lawsuit’s outcome, focusing on the undeniable weight of such material in court:
“I hate to say this. I think 23XI and Front Row have the edge right now. I go back to what Denny Hamlin said. ‘Documents don’t lie.’ Now they can get on that stand and talk all day long. But I believe this case is going to be about documents.”
— Kenny Wallace, Former NASCAR Driver
Wallace noted that in the modern digital era, hearsay holds less sway, emphasizing that emails and digital messages are now often pivotal in legal disputes. He argued that these types of evidence could very well dictate the verdict in the ongoing lawsuit between the two high-profile racing organizations.
Core Evidence: Internal Communications and Financials Spotlight Economic Tension
During the trial, the plaintiffs, represented by attorney Jeffrey Kessler for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, submitted a comprehensive 44-page exhibit detailing every piece of evidence they will use in court. The trove includes not only chat logs between senior NASCAR executives, media agreement documents, and race track photographs, but also the 2025 charter contract and an array of business reports. This level of disclosure goes well beyond standard legal procedure and exposes the financial strains that even top teams face in the NASCAR ecosystem.
According to court-released figures, 23XI Racing’s revenue surged from $27.8 million in 2021 to $62.2 million by 2024, thanks largely to sponsor funding. However, this growth has come with fluctuating profitability, as the team reported a $3.5 million profit in 2023, but a significant $2.1 million loss the following year. In court, 23XI Racing asserted that the cost of running a competitive car for an entire season hovers around $20 million, underlining that even the best-backed teams endure financial pressure to stay afloat.
Internal Messages Undermine NASCAR’s Outlook
The substance of many critical exhibits centers on internal communications. On Thursday, Jeffrey Kessler referenced series of text messages to demonstrate that Jim France, a prominent NASCAR executive, was allegedly impeding negotiations with teams. Notably, one exchange between Ben Kennedy and Steve O’Donnell detailed Jim France’s visible frustration—marked by outbursts of swearing—upon reviewing a letter sent by Heather Gibbs, daughter-in-law of Joe Gibbs, advocating for permanent charters for teams. This material, directly referenced in Wallace’s public comments, appears to significantly weaken NASCAR’s legal position in the eyes of observers.
Wider Impact and What Lies Ahead in the Courtroom
With headline figures like Michael Jordan expected to take the stand, and with evidence mounting that exposes both the organizational and financial reality of team operations, the Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit advantage narrative gains more traction. The outcome of this trial could influence not only the dynamics between teams and NASCAR, but also set new standards for transparency and negotiation power within the world of motorsports. As the courtroom drama continues, the industry and fans alike are watching for the next pivotal moment that might reshape NASCAR’s future business model and governance.
“Coffee with Kenny”
Hey Wallace!
Why don’t you talk about how about this is hurting @NASCAR ? pic.twitter.com/aVTJk5Vsit— Kenny Wallace (@Kenny_Wallace) December 4, 2025
