It’s no secret that the charter negotiation talks have hit a brick wall. Both NASCAR and Team owners are at loggerheads, sticking to their demands in inking a new deal that would kickstart in 2025. Remember, the charters assure the teams a secured spot on the grid every weekend. In return, NASCAR shares the TV revenue with the teams, but it seems that these returns aren’t enough for the team to survive financially.

Therefore, the teams have pitched the idea of making the charters permanent and having a say in the decision-making process. But, so far, their proposal and arguments have fallen on deaf ears with the higher-ups at NASCAR. These constraints seemed to have soured the relationship between NASCAR and the teams. And Denny Hamlin from the 23XI Racing camp has now come out to speak out against the owners, the France Family.

Denny Hamlin asks for “acknowledgement.”

NASCAR isn’t a franchise sport like other major leagues and series. Since its inception in 1948 under Bill France Sr., the France family has carried on this legacy as custodians. However, with the changing dynamics of modern-day sports, the Cup Series teams are now looking to have ownership of their charters. But, so far, NASCAR has held its ground firm and is yet to propose a reasonable offer.

23XI Racing has somewhat become an unofficial spokesperson representing the Cup team’s interest. Michael Jordan’s business partner Curtis Polk’s jab at Darlington gives us an idea about how the deadlock situation in charter talks. Given neither of the two parties is willing to back out or soften their stance, there has to be some leverage they are holding over each other.

Well, Denny Hamlin shared his thoughts on the same ahead of the playoff race in Atlanta. “I’m not really sure where leverage lies. I would argue both sides feel like they have some, but I think it’s more than just a frustration of a lack of acknowledgement that the teams have built this sport. (Rick) Hendrick and (Joe) Gibbs putting superstars on the racetrack – that is what has built the sport.”

He further went on to explain how these premier teams are the ones putting in the hard yards and are not recognized for their efforts. “They (fans) come out to sell out on Sunday to watch Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson, and Kyle Busch. So, who provides them the cars? And that’s the teams. Who spends the money? That’s the teams. Whose sponsor go by the suite? That’s the teams. That’s the tough part that, they just don’t value us.” Hamlin added.

It also looks like NASCAR and 23XI Racing have started feuding publicly. This has further ignited the fire in Hamlin’s belly in speaking out against the France family.

23XI Racing and NASCAR are at loggerheads

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The interesting aspect about this whole charter deal is that the premier teams like Team Penske, HMS, and JGR have remained tight-lipped. However, the leadership group at 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, have been outspoken about the issue concerning the matter. The driver of the No. 11 car backed his entourage’s action at Darlington, stating that NASCAR needs to change. “I think the world has changed since that mentality was set forth by Big Bill a long time ago.”

Hamlin is one of the drivers who has dedicated his success to the sport and decided to give back to his team in 23XI Racing. But now he wants NASCAR to repay the faith. “[People] have to realize that I made a good living in this as a NASCAR driver, and I chose to invest back in the France family and NASCAR, and they are yet to show me an opportunity where I’m gonna get that back,” Hamlin added during the interview.

Interestingly, none of the NASCAR executives were present to hand Tyler Reddick his regular-season trophy at Darlington Raceway.