Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, recently voiced his strong opinions regarding NASCAR’s updated court filing about the charter system. The filing, submitted in late 2024, contains statements from several rival Cup Series team owners who defend the charter system; however, Hamlin insists these statements actually support his position against the current framework.
The filing includes perspectives from prominent team owners such as Joe Gibbs, Rick Hendrick, and Richard Childress. These owners argue the charter system benefits Cup Series teams by guaranteeing them a spot in every race, providing financial stability, and allowing full access to prize money. Despite their united stance, Hamlin remains firm in his criticism and challenges the system’s fairness and monopoly concerns.
Contentious Debate Over the Charter System Among Cup Series Leaders
23XI Racing, co-owned by Hamlin, and Front Row Motorsports co-owner Bob Jenkins launched a legal challenge against NASCAR after refusing to sign the revised charter agreement in October 2024. The lawsuit alleges that CEO Jim France has fostered a monopoly within the sport through the charter system’s structure.
Hamlin believes the statements made by the rival team owners unintentionally bolster his argument. Speaking to Fox Sports analyst Bob Pockrass, Hamlin commented on the court filing and competing views among the owners:
“You know, for them, I thought that it was truthfully more helpful for us than it was for them. But I mean, [the team owners] said they were asked to do it.”
— Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner
The 23XI Racing team fields two full-time competitors in the Cup Series. Bubba Wallace races the #23 Toyota Camry XSE, while Tyler Reddick drives the #45 Toyota Camry. Both drivers contribute to the ongoing scrutiny of team ownership and race qualifications related to the charter system.
Hamlin’s Perspective on Recent Race Incident at Kansas Speedway
During the September 28, 2025, event at Kansas Speedway, Denny Hamlin came under fire for a pivotal late-race move involving teammate Bubba Wallace. Starting second on the grid in his #11 Toyota Camry XSE, Hamlin took control early in the race, winning both stages and leading over half the laps. Yet in a dramatic restart near the race’s end, contact between the two Toyotas opened the door for Chase Elliott of Hendrick Motorsports to seize the lead.
A fan criticized Hamlin’s aggressive maneuver, posting an opinion that described the move as “careless” and potentially harmful to both drivers’ chances:
“I know a lot will bring up on how Bubba and Bell raced and how Denny raced Bubba are the same and while I understand that, I think what Denny did was more careless. With no power steering I feel like Denny drove it in with the mindset of ‘if he’s in the wall so be it.’ Not only did he take himself out, he took out his driver and possibly a shot at any 23XI driver in the R8 and gave the win to a Chevy. Not smart.”
— NASCAR Fan
Hamlin responded swiftly, defending his racing approach and emphasizing his belief that his team deserved the victory even if the outcome was unfavorable:
“Give me a break. I was off the gas and on the brakes 100yds before the 23 let off. I was turning as hard as I could given the aero situation. 11 team deserved that race. It didn’t work out.”
— Denny Hamlin, 23XI Racing co-owner and driver
Current Standings and Impact on the Playoffs
As of the latest standings in the 2025 Cup Series playoffs, Hamlin holds fourth place, maintaining a 48-point advantage above the elimination cutoff. His season stats include five race wins, 16 top-ten finishes, 13 top-five finishes, and three poles in 30 starts. These track performances are closely watched amid the ongoing legal dispute and debates surrounding the charter system’s influence on competition.
Implications for NASCAR’s Future Governance and Team Dynamics
The legal challenge initiated by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports signals growing friction between NASCAR’s leadership and certain teams regarding the fairness and economic impact of the charter system. This dispute could potentially change how teams qualify for races and manage their financial resources moving forward.
With involvement from influential figures such as CEO Jim France and team owners like Joe Gibbs and Rick Hendrick, the outcome may reshape power structures within NASCAR’s Cup Series. The conflict highlights tensions between established team owners and emerging competitors seeking more equitable terms for participation and growth.
Denny Hamlin’s outspoken criticism underlines a wider debate about whether the current system truly balances opportunity for all teams or reinforces dominance by a select few. Fans, drivers, and industry insiders will be closely monitoring how this legal and competitive battle evolves over the months ahead, with potential ripple effects across the sport’s governance and race day strategies.
Denny Hamlin on NASCAR submitting declarations from several team owners urging to keep the charter system and for the lawsuit by his 23XI team and FRM against NASCAR to be resolved. pic.twitter.com/PmMadJgbgD
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 4, 2025
