Moments after the NASCAR lawsuit breakthrough Denny Hamlin delivers a social media message

Denny Hamlin, a prime party involved in NASCAR's lawsuit drama, delivered a social media update shortly after 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports' momentous win over the sanctioning body. Though the 23XI co-owner shared a Christmas message with his fanbase, the timing of his post hinted at a potential dig at NASCAR.

After several ups and downs over the past two months, Judge Kenneth delivered a big judgment, favoring 23XI and FRM. The verdict was passed a week ago on December 18, granting the plaintiffs a preliminary injunction to contest as chartered teams in the upcoming season and instructing NASCAR to permit the SHR charter deal. However, the parties were asked to wait until December 23.

Unconvinced by the defendant's arguments, Judge Kenneth stayed by his verdict of granting a preliminary injunction to 23XI and FRM, guaranteeing both teams all charter benefits for the 2025 season at least.

Shortly after the major decision, Denny Hamlin shared a Christmas GIF, depicting Al Bundy savoring the festival with a beer.

The recent trial was held because of NASCAR's emergency motion on December 18 to stall the preliminary injunction pending appeal and to instruct 23XI and FRM to furnish an injunction bond, making them liable to repay the purse money received from the defendants upon losing the case. The case dismissal motion is set to happen on January 8, 2025.

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Denny Hamlin's outfit and FRM could be asked to sell or lease their charters

After teams expressed dismay over NASCAR's approach of freezing the charter, Judge Kenneth approved the charter sale, ordering NASCAR to let the deal through. The judgment didn't suit the defendants. They argued that guaranteeing a charter would lock them in for anywhere between seven to 14 years, as NASCAR offered to extend the deal by another seven years.

Considering the defendants' concern, the federal court ruled that if 23XI and FRM were to lose the case, they would be ordered to sell or lease the charters, barring them from competing as chartered teams.

It's worth mentioning that only Front Row Motorsports has been granted permission to purchase the charter from Stewart-Haas Racing. Although Denny Hamlin's 23XI Racing also struck a deal with SHR, they didn't mention the frozen deal in the original motion against NASCAR. Thus, to qualify for the charter transfer, 23XI must file a separate motion before the court.

That said, 23XI Racing and FRM will race as chartered teams in 2025 pending any developments. FRM would field three cars while 23XI has been granted to run with two charters.