Denny Hamlin unsure if 23XI Racing would skip Clash as Open team - "Things are so fluid over the next few weeks"

NASCAR driver and team owner, Denny Hamlin, recently responded to questions about 23XI Racing's plans for the next season.

23XI is currently engaged in a legal fight with NASCAR. The team and Front Row Motorsports (FRM) are set to race as open entries in 2025. They do not have guaranteed spots in races or extra financial benefits that come with the charters. 23XI also plans to expand to three cars with ex-Stewart-Haas Racing's Riley Herbst joining as a full-time driver next year.

In a conversation with Fox Sorts' Bob Pockrass, Hamlin was unsure whether 23XI Racing would race in the Clash as an open team in 2025.

“I don't know. I think a lot of dominoes need to fall, sponsorships, things like that. So, I don’t know if that decision’s been rock solid made yet, but things are so fluid. Over the next few weeks, we’ll probably know more," Hamlin said.

He also explained that the non-championship pre-season race is a good chance for teams to practice.

"The Clash is always a good rep. It’s certainly one where, even though you don’t have pressure there, it’s good for the teams to work some kinks out. So yes, but also, you’re probably going to go there and tear a lot of stuff. So, I don’t know. We’ll see," he added.

The Clash on the 0.25-mile circuit at Bowman Gray Stadium will be held before the Daytona 500 in February.

23XI Racing and FRM also decided to drop their injunction appeal this week after NASCAR removed the rule that was holding them back from racing in 2025.

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Denny Hamlin's 23XI expansion amid legal uncertainty

Denny Hamlin and NBA star, Micheal Jordan-owned 23XI Racing currently competes in the Cup Series with two teams for Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick.

Hamlin recently announced a third team and driver for 23XI Racing. Riley Herbst will make his Cup debut with 23XI in the No. 35 Toyota. His sponsor, Monster Energy and crew chief Davin Restivo, will stay with him on the team. The 25-year-old has raced for Stewart-Haas Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing in the past.

However, 23XI still does not have a third charter. The team was trying to buy one from Stewart-Haas Racing but the legal battle with NASCAR is causing delays. According to Bob Pockrass, Hamlin said that nothing is finalized yet.

"Denny Hamlin also said nothing is complete as far as the SHR charter to 23XI. He said he knows the options as far as that charter but can't talk about it," Pockrass wrote.

Martin Truex Jr. will also race part-time for 23XI in 2025.