Denny Hamlin issues a 2-word response when asked if he's appreciated enough as 23XI Racing team owner

23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin addressed the media at Talladega Superspeedway, having recently filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and its CEO, Jim France. When asked if 23XI Racing's investment in the sport was appreciated, Hamlin gave a blunt two word response, reflecting his frustration.

In a press conference at Talladega Superspeedway, The Athletic's Jordan Bianchi asked #11 Joe Gibbs Racing driver whether he and Michael Jordan's financial investments in NASCAR were appreciated by the sport's top executives.

Hamlin paused before giving a blunt response, stating that their investments were "probably not" appreciated enough by NASCAR.

"With the financial commitment 23XI Racing has made to the sport, do you think it's been appreciated by the other side?" Bianchi asked, to which Hamlin replied after a pause, "PROBABLY NOT"

Hamlin is a veteran NASCAR driver and widely considered a future Hall of Famer despite not having won a title. Hamlin gave back to the sport by creating 23XI Racing in 2021, bringing NBA legend Michael Jordan on board as the team's co-owner, bringing attention to the sport.

Hamlin currently fields two entries in the NASCAR Cup Series — Tyler Reddick in the #45 Toyota and Bubba Wallace in the #23 entry. The team recently opened their state-of-the-art facility, Airspeed, and is expected to expand to a three-car organization next season, hiring more employees.

Tensions between Denny Hamlin, Michael Jordan-led 23XI Racing, and NASCAR executives are at an all-time high, as they revolted against the new charter agreement and took the matter to Federal court. As a result, Hamlin feels that his and Jordan's investments in the sport are not being appreciated by the sanctioning body.

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Denny Hamlin comments on how lawsuit doesn't become a lose-lose situation for both sides

With 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports refusing to sign the charter the deal and filing an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR, a legal verdict could leave either party in a losing position. In the press conference, Denny Hamlin was asked if the lawsuit could prevent a lose-lose situation for both sides.

The 43-year-old responded that he couldn't comment on the outcome of the lawsuit but reiterated 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan's sentiment. He explained that both he and Jordan love the sport and have made significant investments in it. However, he emphasized that the sport needs to change.

"Yeah, I'm not really sure and can't speak to that part of it. I think it's been stated in statements by Michael Jordan that he loves NASCAR. We've obviously invested heavily in NASCAR and reinvested what I got out of this sport as a driver back into it as an owner. Certainly, we love the sport, just would love to see change as well," he said. (via Speedway Digest)

Settling the dispute outside of court would help prevent a lose-lose scenario for both parties. However, having failed to meet in the middle after two years of negotiations, it seems unlikely that a resolution will be reached outside the court.