As the big trial between NASCAR and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team continues, Denny Hamlin and everyone else on Jordan’s side are being advised not to post on social media. But the three-time Daytona 500 champion just can’t help himself.
Taking to X on Tuesday, Hamlin shared a message for his fans, stating that he loves them and is fighting for them. Though he also admitted that making any sort of post went against the advice of his counsel.
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“My lawyers dont want me to tweet, Or X or whatever this is, but they are asleep. I just wanted to tell you that I love you guys and I will not stop fighting for you and what is right,” Denny Hamlin.
Cheers for Hamlin
Hamlin’s fans were overjoyed to hear him say that he’s fighting on their behalf and shared the love in kind:
“You might not have won the cup championship, but you got the people’s championship DH!” one user on X declared.
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“When you retire, I hope you, Dale Jr, Harvick and ole Mark Martin team up and do just become the new owners of NASCAR. You guys would make it SO MUCH better than what it currently is,” another wrote.
“Do NOT settle! Take it the distance and I’m pulling for your team and front row. You guys finally were the ones to stand up to them! They need to be humbled as they’ve lost what got them their fame and fortune. Weren’t for drivers there’s no NASCAR,” wrote a third.
LONG POND, PENNSYLVANIA – JULY 14: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 Mavis Tire Toyota, waits on the grid prior to the NASCAR Cup Series The Great American Getaway 400 Presented by VISITPA.com at Pocono Raceway on July 14, 2024 in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)James Gilbert/Getty Images
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR in October 2024 after both teams refused to sign a “take-it-or-leave-it” charter agreement issued by NASCAR’s leadership. The charter system, in place since 2016, guarantees teams spots in the Cup Series and a share of race purse revenue in exchange for license-like contracts, but the teams contend the 2024 contract renegotiation imposed unfair, one-sided terms that restrict team autonomy, increase costs, and disadvantage those who won’t sign. They argue NASCAR has exploited its dominant position in stock-car racing, effectively operating as a monopsony, to suppress competition, limit teams’ earning potential, and undervalue their investments.
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The case went to trial on December 1, 2025, in federal court in Charlotte, N.C. On the stand, 23XI co-owner and driver Denny Hamlin described the financial burden of running a Cup Series car and called NASCAR’s charter model “like a death certificate” for independent teams, stating fielding a car costs roughly $20 million per season while guaranteeing far less in return. The plaintiffs say the charter system, along with exclusive track control and supplier restrictions, constitutes illegal monopolistic behavior under federal antitrust law. NASCAR counters that its model is standard for motorsports, benefits teams through guaranteed race entries and payout structures, and restores order and consistency to an otherwise fragmented sport.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Dec 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the NASCAR section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
