Denny Hamlin might be popular among NASCAR fans but for all the wrong reasons. His brash, unapologetic, and unfiltered views about the sport don’t seem to strike the right chord with the audience. So much so that he now dons the title of NASCAR’s villain, but that sentiment seems to be changing. Even though his team, 23XI Racing is involved in a legal battle against France Family and NASCAR over the charter agreement.

Things have been going great as far as their tussle with NASCAR in court is concerned. Their appeal for a preliminary injunction was denied by the federal court, and while they have already filed an appeal, they could be staring at the possibility of running as open teams in 2025. But, again, that wasn’t certain as the open teams have to sign an agreement that would relieve NASCAR of certain legal actions that teams can take against them.

But surprisingly, NASCAR agreed to drop the anti-competitive release clause in their new charter agreement. This will make things easier for 23XI and FRM to run as open teams in 2025 and continue with their anti-trust lawsuit. Now, no agreement was signed between NASCAR or the teams; rather, it was a gesture of goodwill by NASCAR, which was appreciated by Denny Hamlin and his team.

However, Jordan Bianchi’s post on X seemed to paint a different picture. He wrote, “23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports have reached an agreement with NASCAR to compete as “open” teams during the 2025 season, even while the teams’ antitrust lawsuit continues.” Well, Denny Hamlin, who might not see eye-to-eye with NASCAR on the charter agreement, was quick to highlight the facts from this recent development.

Taking to X and replying to this post, Hamlin wrote, “For clarification sake. No agreement was reached. They just removed the provision.” This gesture by the JGR star certainly was well received by the fans. Even some of his staunch critics tipped their hats in highlighting the facts.

Fans appreciate Denny Hamlin’s clarification on NASCAR’s goodwill gesture

Hamlin likes to wear his heart on his sleeves and doesn’t back down from sharing his opinion. He has been the one who’s called out the Next Gen car for the torrid racing, demanded more horsepower, and questioned the current playoff format. Although he might not be among your beloved NASCAR personalities, he is passionate about the sport and doesn’t shy away from sharing his perspective on how it can be improved. But his recent clarification regarding the open team provision seems to have struck the right chord with the fans. “I kind of hate you as a driver, but as a person and representative of stock car racing I wish you good luck.”, one of them wrote echoing a positive response.

Now the fans are certainly divided in the ongoing legal dispute between NASCAR and 23XI Racing. However, there was a possibility that the two teams would’ve been barred from racing in NASCAR entirely if the injunction appeal didn’t favor them. Appreciating the comradery by the two parties shown to promote racing, a fan added, “Whether you are against the teams or against Nascar, I think that move is for the best of the sport, as there is a possibility the case doesn’t get resolved before the season begins.”

NASCAR could’ve played rough and kept the clause in the open contract; this was well within their power. This would then force 23XI Racing, or FRM, to not be part of the 2025 season. But, with this development, they are at least cleared to compete in the Cup Series, albeit as an open team. While no one expected Hamlin to come out in defense of NASCAR, his simple message just might have changed his image in the eyes of a few fans. “Thank you, Denny Hamlin.”

Imagine 23XI Racing not being a part of the 2025 Cup Series racing. A team that won the regular season championship and made it to the championship 4 for the first time in their history. It would feel odd to see NASCAR crush the rise of a new team that is giving the top dogs a run for their money. Given their performance on the track this year, it is expected that they will try to replicate the same next year. Hoping for a quick resolution, a fan wrote, “Man, I really hope this gets worked out. Def need 23XI on the track in 2025!!”

Given the change in clauses of the open team, a fan was curious about whether or not 23XI and FRM have decided to run as an open team for 2025. “Have you signed up as an open team yet, and if not, when are you required to do so?” Ideally, the teams would want to get an injunction that would reinstate their chartered team status and also not be worried about qualifying rounds and the financial setback of running as an open team.

What are your thoughts about the current dynamics between NASCAR and 23XI Racing? And do you see Denny Hamlin’s team competing in 2025, regardless of the injunction ruling? Tell us in the comment section below!