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In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing legal standoff between NASCAR and 23XI Racing, three-time Daytona 500 winner and team co-owner Denny Hamlin has finally opened up about the rationale behind the team’s recent restraining order filed against the sport’s governing body. The legal maneuver marks a pivotal moment in a brewing conflict that could potentially alter the structure of Cup Series team participation going forward.
23XI Racing fights to retain Cup Series charters
At the heart of the matter lies 23XI Racing’s desperate bid to retain its Cup Series charters—assets that guarantee race entries and ensure a share of NASCAR’s prize funds. After their initial injunction attempt to race as a chartered team in 2025 was overturned last month, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports (FRM), both owning three charters each, now face losing their slots as soon as this week.
Following a denied rehearing, the two teams responded by filing a restraining order and a temporary injunction on Monday to protect their charter rights until the matter is settled in court this December.
Hamlin reveals key details behind the legal action
Speaking candidly on his Actions Detrimental podcast, Hamlin revealed startling insights into why 23XI had to escalate the dispute.
“We obviously filed a new, preliminary injunction,” Denny Hamlin said. “And we also filed a restraining order against NASCAR. The basis for the two are through discovery we have revealed... and so much of this is redacted... discovery has revealed a series of monopolistic acts that have occurred.”
He emphasized the urgency of the legal filings, pointing out that if NASCAR strips the team of its charters before the courtroom showdown scheduled for December 1, there’s no feasible path to reclaim them—even if they win the case.
“The reason being... we're seeking for them not to be able to take and sell our charters,” he explained. “If we prevail in December, how do you go get that back? You can't.”
Denny Hamlin confirmed that the team’s charters remain in limbo until the outcome of the latest preliminary injunction is determined.
NASCAR fires back
NASCAR, for its part, did not take the legal escalation lightly. In a strongly worded statement, the governing body condemned the actions of 23XI and FRM:
“It is unfortunate that instead of respecting the clear rulings of the Fourth Circuit, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are now burdening the District Court with a third motion for another unnecessary and inappropriate preliminary injunction,” NASCAR said.
The statement went on to criticize the teams for allegedly refusing to cooperate on a resolution and accused them of perpetuating a “damaging and distracting lawsuit.”
“We will defend NASCAR's integrity from this baseless lawsuit forced upon the sport that threatens to divide the stakeholders committed to serving race fans everywhere.”
All eyes now turn to the court, where a judge will soon determine whether 23XI and FRM can maintain their charters while awaiting the final verdict. As tensions between NASCAR and its teams reach an all-time high, the outcome of this week’s ruling could significantly impact the competitive landscape heading into 2025.
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