“We aren't a monopoly, you are”: $65M-worth Denny Hamlin refuses to budge as he lights up NASCAR in courtroom showdown 

23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin continued his deposition on day 2 of the trial on December 2, 2025. During the courtroom showdown, Hamlin repeatedly called out NASCAR as a "monopoly," accusing the governing body of holding all the power.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver claimed that the sanctioning body controls everything from car parts to revenue. Despite buying all specific parts, the stock car association doesn't let the team own anything. He further mentioned that the payment distribution system has been unfair to the teams and would have made 23XI Racing bankrupt in the long run.

Following that, Denny Hamlin stated that NASCAR owners create a monopoly in a manner directly aimed at the France family. The Joe Gibbs Racing driver stated (via Motorsports.com):

“We aren’t a monopoly. You are. I believe it’s different when you have options and drivers have options of what teams they can race for.”

The Cup Series driver also expressed his frustration over NASCAR's leadership, recalling the 2022 conversation with Jim France. During the meeting, France asked Hamlin to cut costs to $10 million per car from what the teams were spending, roughly around $20 million.

The governing body revealed that they offered the teams a seven-year contract with a seven-year extension option. However, the deal was non-negotiable, and the prize distribution was fixed and not revenue-based. Following that, Denny Hamlin claimed that if 23XI Racing had accepted the offer, it would have been out of business.

The #11 Toyota Camry XSE driver concluded that he wants $105 million in damages. Reflecting on that, NASCAR countered the claim, stating Hamlin would be getting 900% of his original investment.

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“Fans have been brainwashed”: Denny Hamlin called out the ESPN senior writer ahead of the antitrust lawsuit trial

Ahead of day 1 of the antitrust lawsuit trial, NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin stumbled upon ESPN's article. Following that, Hamlin called out senior writer Ryan McGee for writing a propaganda-style article and brainwashing fans.

The article accused Cup Series teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports of demanding more power. Also, McGee highlighted that the teams get 49% of the TV money, and 23XI Racing still demands more. Also, Michael Jordan pointed out that NASCAR should adopt an NBA-style format and sell charters to the teams rather than long-term leases.

Reflecting on that, Denny Hamlin called out Ryan McGee publicly on X and wrote:

"Please give credit to @mforde for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative. Continuous lies about our stance, NASCAR's motives for its actions, and continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know better."

"Our fans have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades. Narratives pushed by media who are intimidated by them. Lies are over starting Monday morning. It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change," he added.

The situation arose when 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports refused to sign the charter agreement in October 2024. Following that, both teams filed an antitrust lawsuit against the governing body, accusing CEO Jim France of creating a monopoly in the sport.