Following the resolution of a high-profile lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and a three-time Daytona 500 winner, has publicly called for an apology from SiriusXM NASCAR Radio hosts. The controversy stems from critical commentary aired on the SiriusXM channel during the period when the lawsuit was active and before its recent settlement.
The legal dispute, which concluded after an eight-day trial, saw 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports engage in a contentious legal battle with NASCAR concerning the charter system. The settlement, announced recently, is expected to usher in an era of permanent charters, thereby offering improved terms for race teams. However, for Hamlin, the conclusion of the legal proceedings has also brought a renewed focus on the public discourse surrounding the case.
On Tuesday, Hamlin took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to address the hosts of SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, specifically targeting their commentary during the lawsuit’s initial stages. His initial post was a direct response to former crew chief and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio host Larry McReynolds. Hamlin queried, "Good morning. Now that the case is settled and the evidence is out will you or anyone on channel 90 be issuing an apology for what you all said about 23XI/FRM when the lawsuit was filed?"
Hamlin further elaborated on his grievances, pinpointing specific remarks he found objectionable. He cited comments such as, "’how dare them for trying to come in and change the sport. 23XI hasn’t been around long enough and FRM wasn’t good enough’." He also highlighted another statement that questioned the teams’ motives: "’I don’t know what their problem is, 13 other teams signed it.’" These statements, according to Hamlin, misrepresented the teams’ intentions and the substance of their legal challenge.
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When a fan questioned the necessity of an apology, Hamlin responded, "Well because I believe that once the actual facts and documents were released it was contradictory to the narrative that was being pushed. Larry is a very hard working analyst. Hopefully he took the time to analyze the situation post settlement and revise his thoughts." This response underscores Hamlin’s belief that the media coverage, particularly on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, created a narrative that was not aligned with the eventual evidence and outcome of the legal proceedings.
The friction between Hamlin and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio is not a recent development. The driver has previously expressed displeasure with the channel’s handling of sensitive topics related to his teams. In the fall of 2024, an interview with team attorney Jeffrey Kessler on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio became a focal point of contention. Hamlin later directed criticism at host Dave Moody for his perceived bias during this interview.
Hamlin accused the station of censorship, stating, "While censorship is a big topic in today’s media world, Channel 90 might be the poster child. An interview didn’t go the way they hoped after our attorney continued to state fact after fact even tho they tried their best to refute, they have since edited/deleted that interview off of their channels because the narrative doesn’t fit their beliefs. If that doesn’t convince you of the bias then nothing will." This accusation of editing or deleting content that challenged a pre-established narrative suggests a deeper concern for Hamlin regarding the fairness and impartiality of the broadcast.
The lawsuit itself centered on the contentious issue of NASCAR charters, which guarantee a starting spot in every Cup Series race for the teams that hold them. For years, teams operating without charters, or those with limited charter participation, have voiced concerns about the economic viability and competitive landscape of NASCAR. 23XI Racing, co-owned by Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports, led by Bob Jenkins, were among the teams that sought a more equitable system, arguing that the current charter agreement, which was set to expire after the 2024 season, did not adequately reflect the evolving economics of the sport.
The trial brought to light various internal communications and arguments between NASCAR and team owners. Unsealed documents revealed discussions and differing perspectives on the value of charters, the financial implications for teams, and the future direction of the sport. The settlement, which has not had its full terms publicly disclosed, is reported to include provisions for the introduction of permanent charters, a move that many in the garage view as a significant step towards greater stability and investment for team owners.
Denny Hamlin’s career in NASCAR is marked by significant achievements. He has accumulated 52 Cup Series wins, including three victories in the prestigious Daytona 500 (2016, 2020, 2024). His involvement as a team owner with 23XI Racing, founded in 2020, reflects his commitment to shaping the future of the sport. The team has quickly become a competitive force, with drivers like Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick securing victories under its banner.
Front Row Motorsports, a more established organization, has been a consistent participant in the Cup Series since 2004. While not always contending for championships, the team has achieved notable victories, most recently with Michael McDowell winning the 2021 Daytona 500. The joint legal action with 23XI Racing highlighted a shared concern among a segment of team owners regarding the sustainability and fairness of NASCAR’s business model.
The resolution of the lawsuit is widely anticipated to bring a period of renewed focus on on-track competition and strategic planning within NASCAR. However, the public statements from Denny Hamlin indicate that the discourse surrounding the sport’s governance and media representation remains a significant point of interest and, for some, a cause for concern. As of the time of this report, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio has not issued a public response to Hamlin’s request for an apology. The outcome of this exchange and any potential future dialogue between Hamlin and the SiriusXM hosts will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike, as it touches upon the critical intersection of sports, media, and the business of professional racing.
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