Denny Hamlin assures that 23XI’s employees won’t be affected financially by the legal battles against NASCAR

Denny Hamlin, 54-time Cup Series winner and co-owner of 23XI Racing, is currently tied up in a legal disagreement with NASCAR over charter agreement disputes. Despite this, the driver of the #11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota has assured his team's employees that they won't be affected financially by the ongoing legal battle.

Last week, 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports filed a lawsuit against NASCAR CEO Jim France and NASCAR itself, accusing the sport of monopolization of top-tier stock car racing. The lawsuit also claims that NASCAR has disregarded the race team's best interests and only look to benefit themselves.

Despite the legal dispute, the two teams filed an injunction to ensure they can still compete in the Cup Series while the legal proceedings unfold.

Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 champion, said the team owners are ready to take on any repercussions themselves and won't allow their employees to be affected by any outcomes. The Chesterfield native said via FirstSportz.com:

"As 23XI, we’re prepared for any outcome. I think Michael [Jordan] has stated and I’ve stated to the team we will not let this affect our employees whatsoever in any kind of way, and any financial distress is going to have to fall directly on the owners. It will not fall on our people whatsoever. We will not allow that to happen."

The injunction was filed as a safeguard from NASCAR revoking charters from the two teams as the legal battle ensues. If the sport was able to strip the teams of the charters, Hamlin said they'd suffer "massive, irreparable" damage to the race teams.

The 19-year veteran driver said:

"We’re going to go to the courts and say listen, let us operate as a chartered team while this lawsuit goes on over the next year to two years. If you lose your charters and you win the lawsuit, then what? You can’t go back. It’s going to be tough to operate that way."

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Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick still battling for Cup Championship amid team's legal battle

While the fight off the track in the courtroom has only just begun, Denny Hamlin is still in the mix to win his elusive first Cup Series championship this season driving for Joe Gibbs Racing.

Tyler Reddick, driver of the #45 23XI Racing Toyota, is also still in the hunt for the 2024 title, which would be his first Cup championship as well.

Hamlin sits 30 points above the cut-line heading into the final race of the Round of 12 this Sunday at the Charlotte Roval. Reddick, meanwhile, holds a 14-point margin above the cut-off to advance to the Round of 8.

Hamlin has posted three victories this season at Bristol, Richmond, and Dover, while Reddick has tallied two victories at Talladega and Michigan.