23XI Racing, together with partner FRM, continues to face significant setbacks in their legal fight against NASCAR concerning the team charter system. Recently, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit declined the team’s request for an en banc hearing, which would have involved all the judges reviewing the case. This legal ruling places 23XI-FRM at immediate risk of losing their NASCAR charter status, potentially as soon as this week.
Despite this looming threat, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a seasoned JGR veteran, revealed that instead of backing down, the teams have filed a new preliminary injunction with an unexpected component—a formal restraining order against NASCAR itself. This move was fueled by the discovery of alleged monopolistic actions by NASCAR that had been redacted or concealed from public view.
Details Behind the New Legal Action and Allegations Against NASCAR
Hamlin shared on the Actions Detrimental podcast that the restraining order and injunction arose from information uncovered during discovery, which exposed what they believe to be a monopolistic series of acts by NASCAR. He expressed frustration that much of these details were obscured or suppressed in official documents, keeping the broader racing community unaware.
We filed a new preliminary injunction, and we also filed a restraining order against NASCAR. The basis for the two are through discovery, we obviously revealed — and so much of this is redacted — a monopolistic series of acts that have occurred.
—Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
Hamlin warned that the team is not intimidated by the recent court ruling and secured a formal trial date of December 1 to address these disputes in full. He emphasized that the status quo of their charter rights should remain intact until that trial concludes, arguing that if NASCAR were to revoke and sell their charters beforehand, it would create an irreversible situation.
We believe the status quo of us having our charters should not be disturbed until this is resolved on Dec. 1 in the courtroom. The reason being… we’re seeking for them to not be able to take and then sell our charters because if we prevail in December, how do you get that back? You can’t.
—Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
NASCAR has been given until 5 P.M. ET on Wednesday of this week to submit its official response to this injunction and restraining order, which comes as Hamlin and his team had hoped for a faster reply. The pending deadline coincides with a critical moment as 23XI and FRM face the possibility of losing their charters imminently.
Hamlin’s Commitment to Racing Remains Unwavering Despite Charter Uncertainty
Bubba Wallace, the star driver for 23XI Racing, has already voiced his intention to focus solely on racing performance instead of the ongoing legal struggles. Joining this stance, Denny Hamlin has made clear that whether the team holds a charter or not, their commitment to racing the 2025 season stands firm.
Hamlin insisted that losing the charter would not stop 23XI from fielding cars and competing. He stressed that recent discoveries of evidence justified the new injunction, and affirmed that the team’s ambitions for the playoffs and racing goals remain unchanged irrespective of their formal charter status.
We’re going to race, We’ve always said we’re committed to racing this season, whether it be chartered or uncharted. But certainly, there’s been some evidence that has been revealed that warrants this preliminary injunction. … Everything would be the same there as far as racing for the playoffs.
—Denny Hamlin, Co-owner, 23XI Racing
As the 2025 season unfolds amid high tension, the ongoing legal battle raises questions about how NASCAR operates its charter system and the impact of potential rulings on the sport’s competitive landscape. 23XI Racing’s aggressive legal approach highlights the heated nature of the dispute and suggests a lengthy courtroom showdown still lies ahead.
Upcoming Trial and the Broader Implications for NASCAR’s Charter System
The scheduled trial on December 1 will provide a crucial platform for 23XI Racing and FRM to challenge NASCAR’s charter enforcement and alleged monopolistic behavior. Should the teams prevail, it could force NASCAR to rethink or modify how charters are managed and potentially mandate the restoration of any revoked charters.
For now, the restraining order seeks to preserve the current situation until a final judicial resolution is reached, preventing NASCAR from taking irreversible actions like selling charters prematurely. This intervention is critical not only for 23XI and FRM but could also set a precedent influencing future NASCAR team operations and governance.
With deadlines approaching rapidly and NASCAR’s response pending, the months ahead promise further dramatic developments in this intense legal conflict.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get so rich?
A. Starting his full-time Cup Series journey in 2006 with Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin has achieved an impressive career. He has won 51 Cup Series races and claimed three Daytona 500 victories in 2016, 2019, and 2020, while also earning millions.
Q. Did Denny Hamlin and Jordan Fish get married?
A. Denny Hamlin is set to marry Jordan Fish. Since she was young, Jordan loved dancing, which led her to perform for the Charlotte Bobcats. The team is now called the Charlotte Hornets. While dancing at a game, she met Hamlin.
Q. How did Denny Hamlin get rich?
A. Denny Hamlin has built a net worth of about $65 million thanks to his achievements in racing, profitable endorsements, and wise real estate investments. Whether he’s racing or managing a team, Hamlin consistently makes successful decisions both on and off the track.
Q. Are Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin friends?
A. Michael Jordan, part-owner of NASCAR’s 23XI Racing team, applauded his teammate Denny Hamlin for winning a second Cup Series race this season at Darlington. Jordan admired Hamlin’s competitive drive and cautioned critics, saying that boos only motivate Hamlin to improve.
