Motorsports

Denny Hamlin breaks down in tears as the first witness testifying at NASCAR antitrust trial – WKRG News 5

Published

1 month ago

December 2, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — The landmark federal antitrust trial against NASCAR opened Monday with three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin breaking down in tears minutes into his testimony as the first witness in a case that could upend the venerable stock car series.

Hamlin’s 23XI Racing, which he co-owns with Michael Jordan, and Front Row Motorsports claim the series is a monopolistic bully that leaves its teams no option but to comply with rules and financing they don’t agree with.

As Jordan watched from the gallery, Hamlin began to cry and had to stop and compose himself when asked how he got into racing. He disclosed to The Associated Press last month that his father is dying, and he said on the stand he was emotional because his dad “is not in great health.”

“We got to when I was about 20 and a decision had to be made, I could keep racing or go out and work for my dad’s trailer business,” Hamlin testified, adding that he later was thinking about what retirement looked like and found a team going out of business. He needed a partner and turned to Jordan, who he had developed a friendship with when the Basketball Hall of Famer owned the Charlotte Hornets and Hamlin was a season-ticket holder.

“If I can’t be successful with Michael as a partner, I knew this was never going to work,” he said.

The references to his early days in auto racing and the sacrifices his family made were intended to show how difficult it is for both team owners and drivers to make it at the top level of the sport. He said he never would have been able to start 23XI in 2021 had he not partnered with Jordan.

Because of Jordan’s presence with the team, Hamlin testified, 23XI has turned a profit in all but one of its five seasons of operation. His attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, said in his opening statement that fast-food restaurant entrepreneur Bob Jenkins has never turned a profit since starting his Front Row team in 2004, a team that won the Daytona 500 in 2021.

Kessler said a NASCAR-commissioned study found that 75% of teams lost money in 2024 and added that over a three-year period almost $400 million was paid to the France Family Trust. He said a 2023 evaluation by Goldman Sachs found NASCAR to be worth $5 billion. NASCAR is currently run by Jim France, son of founder Bill France Sr.

“What the evidence is going to show is Mr. France ran this for the benefit of his family at the expense of the teams and sport,” Kessler said.

At the heart of the lawsuit is NASCAR’s revenue sharing model, which 23XI and Front Row argue is unfair to race teams that often operate at a loss. Hamlin testified it cost $20 million to simply bring a single car to the track over a 38-race season, not including overhead expenses such as driver salary and business operations.

“So, why would these people do this if you are just going to lose money because NASCAR isn’t giving you a fair deal?” asked Kessler, “Because you love stock car racing, and there’s nowhere else to do it.”

The charter agreements signed for this year that triggered the lawsuit guarantee the teams $12.5 million in annual revenue per chartered car. NASCAR argues the guaranteed payouts are an increase from $9 million from the previous agreement, but Hamlin noted that 11 of the first 19 chartered teams are no longer in business.

All three charters 23XI purchased came from teams that ceased operations, and Hamlin said 23XI paid $4.7 million for its first charter, $13.5 million for its second and $28 million for its third, acquired late last year. He acknowledged purchasing the third charter was a risk because of the pending litigation — and the price concerned him — but it was required if 23XI intends to build itself into a top team.

The charter system guarantees a car a spot in the field each race week as well as a percentage of the purse and gives team owners an asset to sell should they want to get out of the business.

NASCAR attorneys argued that the charter system has created $1.5 billion in equity for the 36 chartered teams. Prior to the charter system, teams raced “open,” with no guarantee they’d make the field or earn a payout.

“The France family built NASCAR from nothing. They are an American success story,” Johnny Stephenson said in the opening statement for NASCAR. Stephenson is a colleague of Christopher Yates, who had previously handled most of the courtroom arguments for the defendants.

“They’ve done it through hard work over 75 years. That’s the kind of effort that doesn’t deserve a lawsuit. That’s the kind of effort that deserves admiration.”

The case has churned through hearings and arguments for more than a year despite calls from other NASCAR teams to settle. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Bell even helped mediate a failed two-day summit in October.

A NASCAR victory could put 23XI, Front Row and their six combined cars out of business. Their charters — now being held by NASCAR — would likely be sold. The last charter went for $45 million, and NASCAR has indicated there is interest from potential buyers including private equity firms.

A win for the teams could lead to monetary damages and the potential demolition of NASCAR as it is run today. The judge has the power to unravel a monopoly, and nothing is off the table, from ordering a sale of NASCAR to the dismantling of the charter system.

Jordan’s presence factors into the trial

Jordan’s presence in the courtroom gallery near Hamlin was a factor: Among those dismissed from serving on the jury was a man who said he can’t be impartial because “I like Mike” and another who said he had Michael Jordan posters on his walls growing up. A juror said they were a North Carolina fan but noted the football team at Jordan’s alma mater is not “doing too well right now” to which the star shook his head and laughed.

NASCAR executives in the courtroom included chairman Jim France and vice chair Lesa France Kennedy, two scions of the family that founded NASCAR in 1948 and still owns it.

Hamlin will resume testimony Tuesday morning. NASCAR Commissioner Steve Phelps, 23XI minority owner Curtis Polk, France Kennedy and other top executives had to leave the courtroom after opening arguments because they are all potential witnesses.

___

AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing

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Motorsports

Porsche runs Panamericana tribute livery at Mexico City

Published

1 hour ago

January 10, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Photo credit: Porsche

Porsche is bringing a piece of its racing past to the streets of Mexico City, where its two factory-run Porsche 99X Electric cars will wear a special livery at the second ABB FIA Formula E World Championship race of the season in the country’s capital. The design nods to the 550 Spyder driven by Hans Herrmann at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, Mexico’s best-known road race.

Herrmann won the “Sport” category for cars up to 1,500 cc and finished third overall. Porsche says the widely acclaimed result helped underline its early international motorsport standing and, along with further successes in 1952 and 1953, contributed to the creation of the Porsche name “Carrera.”

‟Historically and still today, Mexico is a special place for us,” says Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. ‟Porsche’s story in electric motorsport is still young, but the circuit in Mexico City has played a defining part in it. Our factory team took its first Formula E pole position and first victory here, in 2020 and 2022 respectively. Nowhere else has Porsche been more successful in Formula E. The livery honours our motorsport heritage and the Mexican fans at the same time. It is also a thank-you to a country that welcomes us so warmly in Formula E every year.”

Photo credit: Porsche

The appearance also connects to a milestone ahead. In 2026, Porsche says it will celebrate 75 years of motorsport, a history it traces back to 1951 with the Porsche 356 SL and a class win at Le Mans. Laudenbach draws a parallel between eras, noting that the 550 Spyder was the first Porsche designed specifically for racing, while the 99X Electric is the first Porsche developed solely for all-electric motorsport. Laudenbach: ‟Our heritage in traditional motorsport is unique and is reflected in every Porsche. In the future, we want to be able to say the same in all-electric motorsport. That is why we are competing in Formula E. We want to write stories – and history.”

Porsche also points to how the 550 Spyder’s Panamericana effort reflected an evolving racing landscape. Its aluminium bodywork carried multiple brand logos from companies supporting the campaign, at a time when sponsorship was still a relatively new concept in motorsport. Porsche says that influence helped shape some of the most memorable liveries across 75 years of Porsche Motorsport, and the variety of colors that has become part of its racing identity.

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Motorsports

Front Row Motorsports announce changes after NASCAR lawsuit – Motorsport – Sports

Published

7 hours ago

January 10, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Following over a year of back-and-forth negotiations with NASCAR after joining forces with 23XI Racing and filing an antitrust lawsuit against the organization in October 2024, FRM is now back as a chartered team and making its final preparations for the upcoming season.

FRM and 23XI sued NASCAR after opting not to sign its new charter agreement in September 2024, alleging “monopolistic” practices. Despite settlement talks prior to the December court date, the suit ultimately went to court, where, after eight days in session, a settlement was reached.

The settlement granted chartered teams “evergreen” status and reinstated all six of 23XI and FRM’s full-time entries as chartered rides. A potentially major financial settlement was also involved, although the specifics of this were not made public.

Now that the ever-looming shadow cast by the lawsuit has finally cleared, FRM’s full attention has turned to the 2026 season, with Noah Gragson, Todd Gilliland, and Zane Smith all returning to the Cup Series, while Layne Riggs and Chandler Smith will also be back behind the wheel in the team’s two Craftsman Truck Series rides.

But while FRM’s driver lineup will be unchanged, Gragson will be working with a new crew chief after two seasons with Drew Blickensderfer. In an announcement made on Friday, FRM stated that Blickensderfer will be transitioning into the role of competition director, where he and technical director Seth Barbour “will continue to lead the organization’s technical direction and engineering efforts.”

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Blickensderfer steps away from the pit box after 17 years in the role, during which he oversaw four wins, including both the 2009 and 2021 Daytona 500s with Matt Kenseth and Michael McDowell, respectively.

Assuming his place in the No. 4 pit box will be Grant Hutchens, who has previously served as a crew chief for Brad Keselowski, Austin Cindric, and Harrison Burton, although only for six total races.

Hutchens’ career has also seen him work as Kevin Harvick’s race engineer, a lead engineer for Ryan Blaney, and in 2025, as the crew chief for Team Penske’s test team.

Beyond a change in crew chief, FRM also announced the addition of former IndyCar Aero Car Chief and Hendrick Motorsports body production manager Jonathan DeHart to lead its aerodynamic operations.

“We are very fortunate, and I am extremely excited to add experienced, talented people like Grant and Jonathan to leadership roles in the organization,” FRM owner Bob Jenkins said.

“With the inclusion of our Truck Series teams, we operate (5) full-time teams and I’m equally as excited to have Drew turn his attention to providing direction and guidance to our crew chiefs and competition group as a whole.

“Having Drew in this new role for us and Seth being able to focus on the technical aspects within our team, it puts us in a better position to execute on the track and achieve our goals in 2026.”

FRM will kick off its 2026 season with the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, before heading to Daytona for the first points-scoring events of the season two weeks later. There, it will be looking to secure its fifth-ever Cup Series win in 2026 and its first since 2023.

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Motorsports

Dean Leads Nitro Motorsports Sweep on Opening Day at Daytona – Speedway Digest

Published

8 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Daytona International Speedway roared back to life as pre-season practice for the ARCA Menards Series kicked off, and Nitro Motorsports made an emphatic statement. The team fielded six cars on Friday, and all six topped the leaderboard during the first day of the two-day session.

Leading the charge was Gus Dean in the No. 25 Nitro Motorsports Toyota, returning to the track for the first time since his victory in last year’s season opener. Dean’s strong performance set the tone for the organization, which showcased speed and depth across its lineup. Gavan Boschele followed in second with the No. 90B entry, while Jake Finch placed third in the No. 15 Phoenix Toyota. Thomas Annunziata, Isabella Robusto, and Jake Bollman rounded out the top six, giving Nitro Motorsports a clean sweep of the fastest positions.

Garrett Mitchell, better known to millions of fans as YouTube personality Cleetus McFarland, broke up the Nitro dominance by placing seventh in the No. 30 Kennetix Ford. Andy Jankowiak was eighth in the No. 71 KLAS Motorsports Chevrolet.

Amber Balcaen overcame early adversity after an incident in Turn 3 left her with significant nose damage. Following evaluation and release from the Infield Care Center, Balcaen returned in a backup car and posted the ninth-fastest time. Taylor Reimer completed the top ten in the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, marking three female drivers inside the top ten.

Further down the charts, Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Giovanni Ruggiero and Max Reaves finished 13th and 14th, separated by just 0.012 seconds. Reaves will chase the ARCA Menards Series East title in 2026, while Ruggiero will compete in the Daytona season opener alongside his full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series campaign.

CARS Tour standout Timothy “Mini” Tyrell made his first laps at Daytona, ending the day 20th in the No. 17 Cook Racing Technologies Chevrolet. Incidents also sidelined Bob Martin and Alex Clubb, though both plan to return for Saturday’s session after repairs.

In total, 79 drivers and 49 cars are registered for the pre-race practice, with 65 drivers logging laps on Friday. The second day of testing will set the stage for the highly anticipated season opener next month.

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Tibbetts Lumber Backing Spire, McDowell for Truck Race at Daytona

Published

8 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Tibbetts Lumber Company is partnering with Spire Motorsports for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.

The family-owned and Florida-based business will adorn the No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST for the February 13 event in Daytona Beach, Florida. 2021 DAYTONA 500 champion Michael McDowell will pilot the entry.

Wood you look at that.@TibbettsLumber will team up with @Mc_Driver in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series race at Daytona!

?: https://t.co/Qd3MwxDt4J pic.twitter.com/Tf4xGtkmhI

— Spire Motorsports (@SpireMotorsport) January 9, 2026

McDowell will be making his fifth career start in the NASCAR Truck Series, and with a trip to Victory Lane, would join an exclusive list of drivers who have won in each of NASCAR’s top-three divisions.

The Phoenix, Arizona-native competed in two NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events last season — Daytona and Atlanta — and recorded a best finish of 12th-place.

“I have a great deal of respect for the Tibbetts Lumber team,” said McDowell, “They’ve helped me on my own property, and their team truly combines outstanding service with a high-quality product. It’s special to have them racing with us at Daytona, and earning a win in all three national series is something I’ve wanted to make happen for a long time. I think we’ll have a real opportunity to do that on Friday night in Daytona in our Tibbetts Lumber Chevy Silverado.”

Founded in 1949 by Linton N. Tibbetts, Tibbetts Lumber Company has grown into the largest independently-owned lumber and building materials supplier in Florida, while building its legacy as one of the largest roof and floor truss companies in the Southeast.

“Tibbetts Lumber Co. is thrilled to be the primary sponsor of the Spire Motorsports No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado driven by Michael McDowell,” said Russ Hallenbeck, CEO of Tibbetts Lumber Company. “Being that we are headquartered in Florida, Daytona International Speedway has become a very special place for us come springtime. We are honored to be teaming up with Spire Motorsports and Michael this February.”

This isn’t the first go-around for Tibbetts Lumber Company when it comes to sponsorship in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, either. Over the last two seasons, the company has backed Spencer Boyd and Freedom Racing Enterprises a total of five times, which resulted in a single top-five result at Daytona in 2024.

With nearly 640 starts across NASCAR’s National Series, McDowell is one of the most seasoned veterans in the sport, right now. The Phoenix, Arizona-native has been to Victory Lane twice at NASCAR’s top-level, and once in NASCAR’s second-level NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The 2026 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season-opener will take place on Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1, NASCAR Racing Network, and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

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Motorsports

Michael McDowell Running Daytona Truck Race for Spire

Published

9 hours ago

January 9, 2026

Your Sports Nation

Michael McDowell will run the season-opening NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Daytona International Speedway for Spire Motorsports, the team announced Jan. 9.

McDowell will pilot the No. 7 with sponsorship from Tibbetts Lumber Company.

“I have a great deal of respect for the Tibbetts Lumber team,” McDowell said in a team release. “They’ve helped me on my own property and their team truly combines outstanding service with a high-quality product. It’s special to have them racing with us at Daytona, and earning a win in all three national series is something I’ve wanted to make happen for a long time. I think we’ll have a real opportunity to do that on Friday night in Daytona in our Tibbetts Lumber Chevy Silverado.”

#77: Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports, Delaware Life Chevrolet and #7: Justin Haley, Spire Motorsports, NationsGuard Chevrolet, Bristol

Spire Confirms Truck Return, Announces Promotions

McDowell also drove Daytona for Spire in 2025, steering the No. 07 to a 26th-place finish.

He’s the first driver announced to Spire’s Truck program for 2026. The team previously revealed it plans to field the Nos. 7 and 77 this year.

Executive Editor at Frontstretch

Kevin Rutherford is the executive editor of Frontstretch, a position he gained in 2025 after being the managing editor since 2015, and serving on the editing staff since 2013.

At his day job, he’s a journalist covering music and rock charts at Billboard. He lives in New York City, but his heart is in Ohio — you know, like that Hawthorne Heights song.

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