Denny Hamlin gives update on 23XI charter purchase from Stewart-Haas

Despite announcing his third team and driver at 23XI Racing this week, Denny Hamlin still does not have a third charter in his hands. 23XI is still in the process of purchasing a NASCAR charter from the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing.

With the ongoing antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, it might take a while. NASCAR has to approve the purchase and right now, it doesn’t look like that is going to happen any time soon.

At the NASCAR Awards, Denny Hamlin talked about the charter purchase. Or lack thereof at the moment.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported that Hamlin, “said nothing is complete as far as the SHR charter to 23XI. He said he knows the options as far as that charter but can’t talk about it.”

Denny Hamlin also said nothing is complete as far as the SHR charter to 23XI. He said he knows the options as far as that charter but can't talk about it.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 22, 2024

So, it is still unclear how that situation will work out. Riley Herbst will drive the No. 35 next year as an open car or chartered car. Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace will do the same thing in the 45 and 23 cars as well.

This lawsuit leaves a lot in the air about 2025. 23XI Racing is expected to file another preliminary injunction request. However, that isn’t guaranteed to be approved. That injunction would allow the organization to race as chartered teams pending the result of the lawsuit.

Uncertainty surrounds 23XI and Front Row Motorsports right now. The coming days and weeks will clear a lot of that up as the 2025 season gets closer.

Denny Hamlin gets a new crew chief to his surprise

Speaking of uncertainty, Denny Hamlin has plenty of that going on right now. He found out in a 6:00 PM meeting that he would have a new crew chief for 2025. Chris Gabehart is moving into a new role as competition director. Chris Gayle, the No. 54 crew chief will be Hamlin’s crew chief in 2025.

Gabehart is seen as the crew chief that revived Denny’s career. When the two joined up, it was a perfect match. Coming off another three-win season, why did Gabehart and Joe Gibbs decide to make this move now?

Ty Gibbs will also need a new crew chief. That decision has not been made at this time, either. So, there are still moving parts at JGR and gaps to fill as well before the Clash and Daytona next year.

Denny Hamlin has a new crew chief for 2025. He does not know if his 23XI Racing organization will have any charters or will run three open cars. A lot of question marks for a 44 year old driver.