As the legal fight between 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan and NASCAR over the charter system intensifies, Denny Hamlin, the other co-owner, is making it clear that, legal drama or not, the team is racing.
As the court case heats up, Hamlin made a defiant statement on behalf of 23XI Racing. With a high-stakes legal showdown looming in December and their team’s long-term charter status uncertain, Hamlin made it clear that 23XI won’t back down, on or off the track.
Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Remains Unshaken Amid Court Battle
Following his third-place qualifying run at Michigan International Speedway on Saturday, Hamlin reiterated the team’s commitment to staying on track regardless of courtroom outcomes.
“We remain very confident in our case for December 1st. We are confident in it, we feel like facts are on our side. I think if you listen to the judges, even they mention we might be in pretty good shape,” Hamlin told FOX’s Bob Pockrass.
Denny Hamlin on the US Court of Appeals vacating the injunction 23XI Racing and Front Row had obtained to race this year as chartered teams. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/OQM2OnTvYy
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) June 7, 2025
The court dispute, which has centered around the value and longevity of NASCAR charters, has drawn increased scrutiny after Jordan’s legal team challenged the system’s fairness and transparency.
With a court ruling scheduled for December this year, 23XI Racing’s future in terms of team status is in legal limbo, but that hasn’t shaken Hamlin.
Stating that 23XI Racing would be ready to compete as an open team, Hamlin added, “Same as what we said in December is that we’re committed to run this season open if we have to, even before they decided on the injunction. So we’re going to race and fulfill all of our commitments no matter what. We’re here to race. Our team is going to be here for the long haul, and we’re confident of that.”
When asked if the organization could lose some of its drivers, who are currently Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Riley Herbst, at the end of the season, Hamlin replied, “I’ve got so much to worry about. I’m not focused on that particularly right this second.”
Hamlin also stated that the income differences between chartered teams and open teams are huge. For a three-driver team like 23XI Racing, the losses could be “tens of millions.”
As per the NASCAR rules, chartered teams are required to compete in every Cup race but also get paid more than an open team. Open teams are also not guaranteed a starting spot in each race.
While speculation swirls about the implications of a possible court loss, Hamlin is adamant the team won’t back down. He emphasized their vision and commitment, regardless of whether they retain a charter.