Denny Hamlin Confirms 23XI Might Not Be Racing in 2025: ‘It’s TBD’

NASCAR driver and team co-owner Denny Hamlin revealed the uncertainty surrounding his team racing in 2025. This news comes amidst an ongoing legal dispute involving Hamlin’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR. The lawsuit, focused on alleged antitrust violations, presents a complex landscape that could significantly influence 23XI Racing’s participation in the 2025 season.

The lawsuit traces back to accusations against NASCAR of monopolistic practices and anti-competitive behavior. As a prominent figure in NASCAR and co-owner of 23XI Racing—established in 2021 alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan—Denny Hamlin has been instrumental in his team’s successes, which include seven wins in the first four seasons. Joining Hamlin in this legal venture is Front Row Motorsports, a seasoned team led by owner Bob Jenkins. Together, they challenge the operational stance of NASCAR, helmed by CEO Jim France.

The court proceedings recently saw a request for a preliminary injunction denied by the judge. This injunction was intended to address immediate grievances against NASCAR, but the judicial decision ruled the request premature. Despite this initial hurdle, the case progresses as the judge has allowed expedited discovery—a move welcomed by the legal representatives of both racing teams. Jeffrey Kessler, representing 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, expressed satisfaction with the expedited discovery process while preparing to appeal the injunction denial.

“Although we are disappointed that the preliminary injunction was denied without prejudice and as premature which we intend to appeal, this denial has no bearing on the merits of our case. My clients will move forward to race in 2025,” Kessler stated, via 5Goats.

Talking to the press including Newsweek at Phoenix Raceway, Denny Hamlin echoed the legal anxieties surrounding the future of 23XI Racing in the 2025 season.

“I think it’s all TBD [to be decided]. There’s certain agreements that we’re going to have to navigate, so I hope so,” Hamlin said.

The lawsuit’s progression casts uncertainty over plans for the upcoming seasons.

“So, anyway it had been a while [since I’d been to court] but my adrenaline was pumping, right? Because I’m like obviously, you hear the arguments and whatnot. Of course, we feel very adamant on our side of things.

“There’s certainly, you know, when you wake up one Friday morning you know something’s coming, you’re nervous…I’ve poured a lot into the sport in multiple ways and certainly financially over the last four years I’ve put back a lot of the money that I got out of it back into it.

“And that certainly all can be wiped away pretty quickly. So, certainly, it’s a nervous time for me and we hope this thing gets resolved in a peaceful manner or a correct manner to fix it.”