Denny Hamlin stands on the verge of winning his first NASCAR Cup Series championship with only one race to go. But his dual role as driver and co-owner of 23XI Racing has some fans questioning whether he’ll get favorable treatment.
23XI, co-owned with Michael Jordan, is in the middle of a legal battle with NASCAR over the charter system, claiming it gives the league too much control and limits competition.
While the potential conflict has fans talking online, league officials insist there’s no difference in how Hamlin is treated on or off the track compared to any other driver.
NASCAR Defends Officiating Amid Championship Run
NASCAR Chief Operating Officer Steve O’Donnell quickly shut down any suggestion of bias. In a recent “State of the Sport” press conference, he said “No” when asked if fans might think a call against Hamlin was intentional and added: “Because we have all the technology in place. We have an unbelievable officiating team. I think that question actually is a bit absurd. I’m pretty confident in the decisions we’ll make and the transparency we’ve had throughout the year.”
O’Donnell emphasized that NASCAR relies on cameras, timing systems and real-time telemetry for rules enforcement, and relationships have no impact on any ruling. Hamlin agrees, noting he’s been penalized five times this year for speeding and has accepted each penalty without question.
“They’ve treated me fairly all year,” he said. “What happens with 23XI is totally separate from me as a driver.”
The lawsuit continues to develop. A recent U.S. District Court ruling dismissed NASCAR’s counterclaim against 23XI and Front Row Motorsports, giving the teams a procedural victory.
Internal communications revealed during the case have shown tension between NASCAR leadership and team owners. The lawsuit’s outcome could reshape how the sport governs teams in the future. But for now, Hamlin is focused on the Championship 4 race in Phoenix.
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