Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, the co-owners of 23XI Racing, are in a tough spot after refusing to sign NASCAR’s final charter proposal. Despite being one of only two teams to reject the deal, they still appear committed to participating in the 2025 Cup Series. Bubba Wallace’s recent multi-year contract is a clear indication that the team intends to compete in the upcoming season, regardless of whether they have a charter or not.
Hamlin, who also races for Joe Gibbs Racing, recently reassured sponsors about the team’s commitment to the Cup Series, even with the ongoing charter dispute. This situation isn’t entirely surprising since Hamlin has been vocal about his dissatisfaction with NASCAR’s handling of charter negotiations over the past two years. According to a statement from 23XI Racing, they opted out of signing the charter because they felt they weren’t given a fair chance to negotiate. NASCAR, they say, only gave teams a six-hour window to sign the agreement right before the Atlanta Motor Speedway playoff race. While most teams, except for Front Row Motorsports and 23XI, went ahead and signed, the refusal of these two teams has led to a standoff with NASCAR.
Currently, 23XI Racing finds itself in a precarious position. They risk losing their charters after standing firm against NASCAR’s demands, and communication between both parties has reportedly slowed down. This deadlock isn’t new in NASCAR; the France family, which controls the sport, has had its share of conflicts with teams over the years, often leading to unresolved issues. It seems neither side is willing to back down, resulting in uncertainty for 23XI.
Despite the challenges, 23XI Racing is eyeing expansion. Journalist Bob Pockrass from Fox Sports reports that the team hopes to add a third full-time charter for the 2025 season. This potential growth comes in the wake of Stewart-Haas Racing’s planned closure at the end of 2024, with rumors swirling that Riley Herbst might join the team. However, without a charter agreement, this expansion may be up in the air. Hamlin himself previously acknowledged that his team might not be willing to invest more money into NASCAR’s top series without a solid deal in place, and that hesitation seems to persist.
Fans have been vocal about the situation, with many taking to social media to express their thoughts on 23XI Racing’s refusal to sign NASCAR’s proposal. Some believe the team, co-owned by Michael Jordan and Hamlin, should simply give in and sign the agreement. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) speculated that it might not even be an option for 23XI anymore, given that 13 other teams had already signed before the deadline. The fan suggested that if NASCAR wants to send a message, they could refuse to let 23XI sign now, or at least impose a hefty penalty.
Another fan offered a more pragmatic take, urging Hamlin to realize that he won’t get everything he wants from the negotiations. The fan acknowledged the France family’s greed but pointed out that Hamlin likely should have expected this outcome. Their advice to the racing veteran was to stop pushing for more and accept the current deal, as continuing to resist could be futile.
Others in the fanbase are less optimistic about the situation, predicting that the ongoing standoff will ultimately benefit NASCAR, not 23XI Racing. One fan commented that by refusing to sign, the team could lose millions if they have to race without a charter, something Jordan, as a savvy businessman, might not tolerate. They advised Hamlin to simply sign the deal and move forward, noting that even major teams like Hendrick Motorsports have accepted it as the best offer they’re going to get.
There’s also concern about the financial implications for 23XI Racing. The team recently invested heavily in a new headquarters called “Airspeed,” signaling their commitment to growth. A fan pointed out the irony that it would be quite embarrassing for the team to move into this new facility only to face layoffs due to the charter dispute. The potential for such a scenario looms large if the situation isn’t resolved.
Some fans are even calling for harsher repercussions, with one user suggesting that NASCAR should take away 23XI’s charters as a lesson to Hamlin and Jordan for defying the system. While this outcome seems extreme and unlikely, the sentiment reflects the frustration some fans feel over the situation. The uncertainty surrounding 23XI Racing continues to grow, and the longer the dispute drags on, the more pressure mounts on both sides to find a resolution.
In the end, the standoff between 23XI Racing and NASCAR represents a larger struggle within the sport. As teams push for more influence and better deals, NASCAR remains steadfast in its control. Whether 23XI can reach a compromise or be forced to take a step back remains to be seen, but the road ahead is sure to be challenging.
Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin are taking a stand against the quiet side of NASCAR, as fans deliver a harsh message.
