Denny Hamlin Addresses 23XI Racing’s Charter Decision: A Commitment to Compete
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside NBA legend Michael Jordan, has made headlines recently by publicly discussing the team’s decision to refuse NASCAR’s latest charter proposal. His comments come just as the team announced a multiyear contract extension for driver Bubba Wallace, emphasizing their commitment to racing in the upcoming season, regardless of the charter agreement’s status.
Speaking to the media ahead of the Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, Hamlin expressed his unwavering dedication to the sport: “We’ve said we plan on racing next year no matter what. And we’re sticking to that.” This statement reflects 23XI Racing’s intent to compete, even amidst the ongoing uncertainties surrounding their charter situation.
Hamlin’s frustration over the charter negotiations has been palpable. He criticized the limited six-hour timeframe teams were given to sign the charter contract before the playoff opener in Atlanta, labeling it as unreasonable and restrictive. “It’s been challenging,” he remarked, indicating that the lack of fair bargaining opportunities has been a significant concern for the team over the past two years.
Despite these challenges, Hamlin reassured sponsors and partners that the charter negotiations are strictly an ownership issue and will not jeopardize the job security of their employees. The team has already seen success this season, with Tyler Reddick clinching the regular-season championship and Bubba Wallace making the playoffs last year.
Looking ahead, there are strong rumors that 23XI Racing could expand to three full-time charters by 2025, with potential plans to bring Riley Herbst into the fold, possibly through a charter acquisition from Stewart-Haas Racing. Hamlin highlighted the team’s desire to secure a charter agreement, stating, “We don’t have a charter as of January 1, 2025, so you can’t buy or sell something that doesn’t exist.”
He emphasized that while they currently have two charters until the end of this year, expanding beyond that depends on securing a better charter agreement. Hamlin noted, “I didn’t build that facility to stay a two-car team, but it has to make financial sense. I will not put myself in a position where I’m shelling out millions of dollars every year just to keep this thing going.”
As 23XI Racing navigates this complex landscape, Hamlin’s commitment to maintaining a competitive presence in NASCAR remains clear, indicating that the team is poised for future growth and success.
