Hamlin’s Accusations Against ESPN Reporter Spark Fan Backlash Ahead of NASCAR Trial

Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, has ignited controversy by accusing an ESPN reporter of writing a “propaganda piece” regarding his team’s year-long legal battle with NASCAR, drawing mixed reactions from motorsport fans across social media platforms.

The legal showdown between 23XI Racing and NASCAR begins Monday in a Charlotte courthouse. The lawsuit, filed last October, unites Hamlin’s team—co-founded with NBA legend Michael Jordan and business partner Curtis Polk in 2020—with Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins against NASCAR and CEO Jim France in North Carolina’s federal court.

At the heart of the complaint are allegations that NASCAR has “used anti-competitive practices to prevent fair competition in the sport” and engaged in “unlawful monopolization of premier stock car racing in order to enrich themselves at the expense of the premier stock car racing teams.” The case centers on disagreements over Cup Series charter agreements and fundamental differences in vision for how the stock car racing business should operate.

As the 10-day trial approached, ESPN’s Ryan McGee published an explanatory article titled “23XI vs. NASCAR trial: Why Jordan wants to tear up stock car racing,” providing context on the dispute. Hamlin took exception to the piece, claiming it showed bias in favor of NASCAR.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver voiced his displeasure on social media, writing: “Please give credit to @mforde for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative.” Hamlin was referring to NASCAR senior vice president of communications Mike Forde, suggesting the executive influenced the article’s content. He continued, “Continuous lies about our stance, NASCARs motives for its actions, and continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know better.”

McGee defended his reporting, responding: “Tried to hit it down the middle, thus all the ‘(Fill in the blank) believes…’ and ‘(Fill in the blank) argues…’ Sorry you disagree, but thanks for reading. See you Monday.”

Undeterred, Hamlin fired back: “Our fans have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades. Narratives pushed by media who are intimidated by them. Lies are over starting Monday morning. It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change.”

The exchange quickly polarized the NASCAR community. Many fans criticized Hamlin for what they perceived as an attack on both journalism and his own supporters. “All I see is facts and I’m rooting for Denny. Bad look Denny attacking Ryan,” one social media user commented.

Another fan challenged Hamlin’s characterization of NASCAR supporters: “Maybe calling the fans brainwashed isn’t the best call. It’s fine to have different opinions. No need to belittle the people who buy the tickets and support the sport.”

However, others rallied behind Hamlin and 23XI Racing, viewing their legal action as a necessary stand against entrenched problems in motorsport governance. “This isn’t just a fight for 23XI, it’s a fight for the fans who have seen this sport crumble before our eyes,” one supporter wrote. “The NASCAR execs and their puppet media outlets may have dug themselves into a hole that they cannot climb out of without some serious repercussions. Go get them Denny.”

Another fan supported Hamlin’s position on revenue sharing: “Denny hit the nail on the head. Bottom Line the suits have been collecting the checks for years doing nothing to grow the sport. Time for teams to get a bigger slice of the checks.”

The case represents one of the most significant challenges to NASCAR’s business model in recent history. The outcome could potentially reshape how racing teams negotiate their value within the sport and influence how revenues are distributed throughout the NASCAR ecosystem.

As both sides prepare to present their arguments in court, the dispute has already accomplished one thing: exposing divisions within the NASCAR community about media coverage, team economics, and the future direction of American stock car racing.