NASCAR driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing Denny Hamlin has publicly criticized SiriusXM radio host Larry McReynolds, accusing him of spreading misinformation about 23XI Racing’s lawsuit against NASCAR.
The legal battle came to a head after NASCAR introduced a take-it-or-leave-it deal for the 2025 season, which all teams accepted apart from 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. These teams, feeling slighted by the perceived unfair practices, filed a lawsuit against NASCAR, alleging monopolistic behaviors detrimental to competitive fairness.
McReynolds, a former crew chief and respected SiriusXM NASCAR radio host, has shared his criticisms regarding 23XI Racing’s legal challenge. Hamlin took to social media to defend his team’s position. His retort was pointed, accusing McReynolds of disseminating false information about the legal proceedings. He responded to McReynolds’s post which stated:
“So just what we need again! Our champion could go through the entire 10 race playoff, not win a race, might not need to and at the final race back possibly to where for one driver headed into the race, a clinch scenario! Now this would be nail-biting and exciting!”
Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Toyota, enters his car in the garage area during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on November 08, 2024 in Avondale, Arizona. Denny Hamlin slams NASCAR radio host for “spreading disinformation.”
James Gilbert/Getty Images
Hamlin responded twice, writing:
“Hey Larry. I know facts are hard to comprehend, but we actually had a Champion crowned in trucks by a driver who didn’t win AT ALL during the season under this format. #believeit
“Sorry so what were you saying about winning again?”
He added:
“Oh and if you could stop spreading disinformation to your listeners about our lawsuit I would really appreciate it. Thanks.”
Oh and if you could stop spreading disinformation to your listeners about our lawsuit I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 13, 2024
The lawsuit filed by 23XI Racing and FRM accuses NASCAR of fostering an environment of unlawful monopolization and anti-competitive practices. These accusations are particularly resonant given the ongoing debate around the 2025 charter agreement. Teams have been advocating for reforms that would enhance financial stability and rectify perceived market inequalities.
Both teams are represented by renowned lawyer Jeffrey Kessler. Speaking after a recent court hearing, Kessler commented, as previously reported by Newsweek Sports:
“So, we got our first day in court. It was a vigorous argument.
“I think we made all the points we had to make, and we’re going to look forward to Friday and hopefully get our relief.
“I think we laid out very clearly what our request is. I think the other side worked very hard in their papers and their presentation to present a case that doesn’t exist.
“And I think by the end of the hearing, it was very clear what we’re asking for and why we’re entitled to that relief.
“I think I said in open court that I did not think the actual record corresponded to how they presented the facts. How they did it in their slides, and how they did it orally. The judge will make that determination. I was disappointed in the other side for not really portraying the record as it really is.”
The injunction request was denied by the judge as it was deemed premature. Kessler commented after the decision:
“Although we are disappointed that the preliminary injunction was denied without prejudice and as premature which we intend to appeal, this denial has no bearing on the merits of our case. My clients will move forward to race in 2025.”
