Denny Hamlin delivers a one-word message for Judge Kenneth’s verdict on NASCAR’s lawsuit dismissing ‘strategy’

Denny Hamlin has reacted to Judge Kenneth Bell's verdict on NASCAR's lawsuit dismissing 'strategy.' Hamlin agreed with the judge's statement that the league strategically filed a motion to strike rather than present its argument to the court.

Hamlin is a 44-year-old NASCAR driver who co-owns 23XI Racing with NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. 23XI, along with Front Row Motorsports, filed a lawsuit against NASCAR due to alleged monopolistic practices.

The latest development was the court denying NASCAR's allegation of limiting its ability to argue its case regarding the transfer of Stewart-Haas Racing charters, including the ability to present its arguments and exhibits to support its motion for a stay.

The court said the league could've presented its arguments all in one day but decided to file a motion to strike instead.

In response, Denny Hamlin dropped a one-word message on Instagram, saying:

"Fact."

Denny Hamlin Instagram story - Source: @dennyhamlin on IG

Denny Hamlin Instagram story - Source: @dennyhamlin on IG

NASCAR requested a stay to delay the transfer of SHR charters to 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports after Bell recently approved it. The court gave the teams/plaintiffs until December 23 to respond to the defendant's motion to stay pending appeal.

This meant 23XI and FRM won't run each of the additional charters from Stewart-Haas Racing for now. The teams intend to compete with expanded three-charter lineups for 2025.

23XI plans to field Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace, and Riley Herbst. The team will give Herbst the new No. 35 Toyota Camry with sponsorship from Monster Energy.

Meanwhile, FRM looks to add a third teammate for Todd Gilliland and Noah Gragson. One of the frontrunners to secure the seat is Zane Smith, who was axed from Spire Motorsports and the Trackhouse Racing program.

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Denny Hamlin expressed delight on social media after court-approved preliminary injunction

Denny Hamlin wasn't shy of sharing his thoughts on the legal win against NASCAR on Thursday. He took to X (formerly Twitter) and posted two responses to the approval of a preliminary injunction.

The first reaction was a one-word response, saying:

"YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!"

The other post was a GIF of Will Smith in the 2006 film The Pursuit of Happiness. Chris Gardner, played by Smith, had a huge sense of relief after getting a major job at a brokerage firm.

The preliminary injunction allows 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports to compete as temporary charted teams in 2025 while the lawsuit is ongoing. This means the teams would still be entitled to charter privileges including guaranteed entries to the 36-race schedule and huge payouts.

The court also approved the transfer of Stewart-Haas Racing charters after the team left the sport at the end of the season. The team retained one of the four charters, with Trackhouse Racing purchasing the other charter.

23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin drives the No. 11 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota - Source: Imagn

However, as mentioned earlier, NASCAR appealed the court's decision, delaying the transfer of the Stewart-Haas Racing charters. The teams have until Monday to issue a statement on the matter.