• Denny Hamlin acknowledges significant financial and reputational risks in pursuing an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR.
• The lawsuit, filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, challenges NASCAR's charter system and revenue distribution model.
• 23XI and Front Row dropped requests for financial information from F1 but are continuing similar requests for financial information from the NFL, NHL, NBA and IndyCar

23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging monopolistic practices and unfair revenue distribution. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has publicly acknowledged the high stakes involved, including financial and reputational risks. The lawsuit challenges NASCAR's charter system, which the teams argue creates an anti-competitive environment. The legal battle has captured the attention of the motorsports world and could have lasting implications for the structure of stock car racing.

• What: Antitrust lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, challenging the charter system and revenue distribution.
• Who: Key figures include Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan (involved through 23XI Racing), Curtis Polk (Michael Jordan's business partner), Jim France (NASCAR CEO), 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports.
• When: Lawsuit filed in October 2024. NASCAR presented its final charter proposal on September 6, 2024. Jury trial set for December 1. Netflix series premieres May 7.
• Where: Legal proceedings are taking place in federal court. The events relate to NASCAR races and team operations across the U.S.

The antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, spearheaded by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, has significant implications for the future of stock car racing. Denny Hamlin's candid acknowledgement of the personal risks involved underscores the gravity of the situation. The challenge to NASCAR's charter system and revenue distribution model highlights underlying tensions between teams and the governing body. The outcome of this lawsuit could reshape team governance and the financial structure of NASCAR.

I’m risking a lot. Financially. I’m putting my reputation on the line. It’s all a risk, but it’s all for the better good.

NASCAR has exploited its monopoly power to impose anticompetitive terms on the teams that compete in Cup Series races, including by providing teams with lower shares of revenues [such as TV revenues from NASCAR’s $7.7 billion media rights deal] than they would receive in a competitive market

The antitrust lawsuit filed against NASCAR by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports represents a pivotal moment for the sport. Denny Hamlin's acknowledgement of the significant risks involved underscores the high stakes for all parties. The legal battle, which challenges NASCAR's charter system and revenue distribution, could lead to substantial changes in the structure and governance of stock car racing. The outcome remains uncertain, with a jury trial set for December 1, but the implications are far-reaching for teams, NASCAR, and the future of the sport.