In Brooklyn, Michigan, Denny Hamlin expressed his indifference towards a recent decision by a federal appellate panel to annul an injunction related to an ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR. The injunction had previously required NASCAR to acknowledge his team, 23XI, co-owned with Michael Jordan, and Front Row as chartered racing teams. Speaking ahead of the FireKeepers Casino 400, Hamlin emphasized that this is merely a minor aspect of a much larger legal battle.
Both Hamlin and Jordan remain optimistic about the situation, with Hamlin affirming, “That’s just such a small part of the entire litigation. I’m not deterred at all. We’re in good shape.” Like Hamlin, Jordan also maintains a confident outlook on their position. NASCAR has yet to provide any comments on the appellate court’s recent decision.
The lawsuit against NASCAR ensued late last year when 23XI and Front Row refrained from signing new contracts regarding charter renewals. They subsequently requested a temporary injunction to be recognized as chartered teams for the current racing season. The recent verdict from the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, however, favored NASCAR. In response, Hamlin mentioned, “We’re looking at all options right now.”
Despite facing a winless season, the teams argued that the injunction was crucial as the current charter agreement restricts them from taking legal action against NASCAR. Additionally, 23XI claimed that not securing a charter for driver Tyler Reddick could jeopardize his position due to a contractual clause that would allow him to become a free agent. Nonetheless, Hamlin remains unworried about potentially losing drivers amid this uncertainty, focusing instead on the present circumstances.
Currently, Reddick, who was both the regular-season champion last year and a contender for the Cup title, is positioned sixth in the Cup Series standings as he prepares for the upcoming race in Michigan. Much like sports franchises, NASCAR’s charter system offers protections but under a revocable and time-sensitive framework. Teams without charters must qualify as “open” cars, competing for positions weekly, which financially impacts their operations significantly.
Hamlin, commenting on the possibility of running without charters, acknowledged the hefty financial implications but remained committed to racing, stating, “We’re committed to run this season open if we have to. 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.” The broader antitrust litigation awaits its day in court this coming December.
As of now, NASCAR has not divulged its plans concerning the disposition of the charters currently held by 23XI and Front Row should they revert to the organization. Presently, there are 36 chartered cars out of a 40-car limit field. Hamlin remains optimistic about their case, asserting, “We feel like facts were on our side. I think if you listen to the judges, even they mentioned that we might be in pretty good shape.”