Denny Hamlin expresses doubt about 23XI Racing in 2025 amid NASCAR lawsuit

On Friday, Denny Hamlin and his 23XI Racing group received good and bad news in regard to their lawsuit against NASCAR with Front Row Motorsports. There is a real possibility that his organization won’t race next season.

So far, it is still early on in the lawsuit. However, there have been two important decisions made. The 23XI/FRM request for a preliminary injunction was denied, at least for now. But they were granted expedited discovery.

During his media availability at Phoenix Raceway, Denny Hamlin talked about the lawsuit.

“So, anyway it had been a while [since I’d been to court] but my adrenaline was pumping, right?” Hamlin said. “Because I’m like obviously, you hear the arguments and whatnot. Of course, we feel very adamant on our side of things.

“There’s certainly, you know, when you wake up one Friday morning you know something’s coming, you’re nervous. Because obviously, you know, I’ve poured a lot into the sport in multiple ways and certainly financially over the last four years I’ve put back a lot of the money that I got out of it back into it. And that certainly all can be wiped away pretty quickly. So, certainly, it’s a nervous time for me and we hope this thing gets resolved in a peaceful manner or a correct manner to fix it.”

However, it was this comment below that was most eye-catching. Denny Hamlin has not expressed doubt over racing in 2025. That is until now.

“I think it’s all TBD [to be decided]. There’s certain agreements that we’re going to have to navigate, so I hope so,” Hamlin said.”

Judge makes first ruling in Denny Hamlin 23XI Racing lawsuit

Friday a decision was made in the 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports lawsuit against NASCAR regarding the preliminary injunction. That was denied, however, the teams did receive good news ahead of championship weekend.

Jeffrey Kessler, attorney for 23XI and FRM, released a statement Friday as well. The judge may have denied their preliminary injunction, citing it was perhaps too premature to request. Despite that, the judge also approved to expedite discovery and “fast track the schedule” in the NASCAR lawsuit.

“We are pleased with the court’s decision to expedite discovery and fast track the schedule in our case against NASCAR,” Kessler said of the lawsuit. “Although we are disappointed that the preliminary injunction was denied without prejudice and as premature which we intend to appeal, this denial has no bearing on the merits of our case. My clients will move forward to race in 2025 and continue to fight for a more fair and equitable system in NASCAR that complies with antitrust law.”

Again, this is only the beginning. 23XI Racing and Front Row are going to appeal the decision on the injunction. Now with expedited discovery, we are likely going to see more come out in this lawsuit with regard to NASCAR and their business.