NASCAR Antitrust Lawsuit Update: Denny Hamlin’s Testimony Highlights Team Struggles
In a pivotal session of the ongoing antitrust lawsuit involving NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports, Denny Hamlin’s testimony underscored the financial challenges faced by teams within the sport. On the witness stand, Hamlin detailed significant expenditures, claiming that his team incurred nearly $703,000 in NASCAR-related costs, including entry fees, licenses, and testing expenses. “We get charged for the WIFI at the racetrack,” Hamlin remarked, illustrating the pressures teams endure.
Hamlin criticized the proposed 2025 charter agreement, describing it as akin to a “death certificate for the future” due to its lack of negotiation opportunities, potentially leaving teams without additional revenue. He asserted that team owners have expressed ongoing financial struggles, yet the upcoming agreement was presented to him as a way to alleviate those concerns.
While being cross-examined by NASCAR attorney Lawrence Buterman, Hamlin’s earlier statements advocating for the sport were highlighted. Buterman pointed out that Hamlin had previously promoted NASCAR’s benefits, including financial backing for teams and advancements like the Next Gen car, suggesting his current claims were contradictory. Hamlin contended that these earlier positive comments were taken out of context, asserting, “public comments are talking points” meant to appease fans and maintain goodwill.
Hamlin’s financial disclosures revealed that 23XI Racing was built at a cost nearing $100 million, with an additional $40–60 million required annually to compete. Despite investing $45 million in the team, Hamlin’s attorney indicated that only $10 million had been contributed as of August 2024, leaving significant outstanding loans.
Complications in team dynamics were also discussed, with revelations that partners had privately criticized Hamlin’s business acumen. He acknowledged their concerns but reaffirmed the importance of fostering a united front in public. “It’s the job of others to disagree and keep things in line,” Hamlin stated about financial governance within the team.
The session concluded with NASCAR’s executive vice president, Scott Prime, taking the stand, where he faced questioning regarding internal communications and contingency strategies if teams failed to sign the charter agreement. Prime is slated to return for further examination tomorrow as the trial continues to unfold.
