Co-owner and driver of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin has assured that none of his employees will bear the financial brunt of the legal battle against NASCAR. The statement arrived days after his team and Front Row Motorsports filed a lawsuit against the sport for unfair and monopolistic practices.
The lawsuit accuses NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France, of monopolizing top-tier stock car racing, prioritizing their own agenda at the expense of the teams. The teams claim that NASCAR's conduct stifles competition and disregards their interests. This legal move comes after both teams rejected NASCAR's proposed charter agreement.
However, the lawsuit could have serious repercussions, potentially leading to the downfall of 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports if they lose. To ensure they can still compete in 2025 while the legal battle unfolds, the coalition has filed an injunction to secure their right to race during the ongoing case.
Hamlin claimed that 23XI Racing is prepared for any outcome from the lawsuit. He reassured that the team has taken steps to ensure the 23XI crew will remain unaffected, safeguarding employees from any financial hardship. The team owners remain committed to absorbing any potential setbacks, making sure the impact does not fall on the staff. As reported by FirstSportz.com, Hamlin said:
"As 23XI, we’re prepared for any outcome. I think Michael [Jordan] has stated and I’ve stated to the team we will not let this affect our employees whatsoever in any kind of way, and any financial distress is going to have to fall directly on the owners. It will not fall on our people whatsoever. We will not allow that to happen."
Hamlin explained that the injunction was filed to prevent NASCAR from revoking its charter, which would cause significant irreparable damage to the team. He insisted that even if 23XI were to win the lawsuit, losing its charter would make the victory meaningless.
Under the current contract, which expires at the end of the year, NASCAR has the right to revoke the teams' charters. As a result, the injunction has become the most crucial aspect of the lawsuit for both NASCAR and the two teams involved in the legal battle. Hamlin added:
"We’re trying to stop NASCAR from taking our charters. Obviously, there would be massive irreparable harm there. We’re going to go to the courts and say listen, let us operate as a chartered team while this lawsuit goes on over the next year to two years. If you lose your charters and you win the lawsuit, then what? You can’t go back. It’s going to be tough to operate that way."
