Denny Hamlin is in desperate need of a win. His Phoenix heartbreak added another sting to his championship résumé, but the three-time Daytona 500 winner had no luxury to sit and stew. He had a legal battle looming, and NASCAR was on the opposing side of the table.
Hamlin co-owns 23XI Racing with basketball legend Michael Jordan. 23XI and Front Row Motorsports have taken NASCAR to court over charter disputes, and the legal battle has now proceeded to trial.
Hamlin’s legal team told him to stay off social media until the trial blows over, but he’s having none of it.
What Did Denny Hamlin Say on Social Media As Legal Battle With NASCAR Peaks?
23XI’s legal team likely wants Hamlin to stay off social media to keep the trial clean and prevent him from giving NASCAR any easy ammunition.
If Hamlin posts something that contradicts the legal argument, looks aggressive, or hints at private discussions, NASCAR’s attorneys could use it to undermine 23XI’s case.
Also, courts take a dim view of anyone trying to sway jurors, officials, or the public narrative. If Hamlin posts strong opinions about NASCAR, charters, or fairness, the opposing side could argue he’s trying to manipulate the environment around the trial.
Trials are stressful. Lawyers know that frustration can lead to an impulsive post — which is the last thing they want in the middle of an antitrust suit.
Hamlin, however, didn’t heed the advice and took to social media to address his followers.
“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,” the Joe Gibbs Racing star wrote on X.
Hamlin returned to the witness stand on Day 2 of NASCAR’s antitrust battle. His attorney didn’t waste time getting to the point – he was asked whether it was a tough call to walk away from this year’s charter agreement.
The NASCAR veteran did not have to wait long to come up with the answer. “I don’t sign because I know that this is essentially my death certificate for the future. I think it was the only decision,” he said.
The Charlotte federal courtroom saw plenty of drama on Dec. 2, but Hamlin’s testimony stole the show. Jeff Gluck of The Athletic called the four hours he spent testifying over two days “extremely bitter and emotionally charged,” with Hamlin’s resentment toward NASCAR fully visible.