After Tyler Reddick’s victory at the 2026 Daytona 500, Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, reflected on the legal battle the team faced against NASCAR. The dispute arose when 23XI Racing and FRM refused to sign the charter agreement in October 2024, leading to an antitrust lawsuit against the racing organization. The intense legal battle ended with a settlement before the 2026 Cup Series season, but it shed negative light on NASCAR’s public image.
The lawsuit also brought to light former NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps’s comments about Richard Childress, further tarnishing the association’s reputation. Phelps eventually resigned from his position after 20 years of service. In a press conference, Denny Hamlin acknowledged the wake-up call that the lawsuit provided for NASCAR, prompting self-reflection and a desire to restore the sport to its former glory.
Moving forward, Denny Hamlin expressed a desire to focus on improving the sport and putting the legal battle behind them. NASCAR has already made significant changes to the 2026 Cup Series season, reverting to a previous playoff system known as the Chase format, replacing the elimination-style format.
On a more positive note, Denny Hamlin shared his excitement about the renewed sponsorship with National Debt Relief. The debt settlement company partnered with Joe Gibbs Racing and sponsored the #11 Toyota Camry XSE for 12 races in the 2026 season. The partnership began in the 2025 season and has continued to grow, with National Debt Relief becoming a trusted brand for consumers seeking debt freedom.
Despite a tough break at the Daytona 500, where Denny Hamlin finished in P31, the Joe Gibbs Racing driver remains optimistic about the season ahead. With a strong qualifying session and a competitive car, Hamlin is eager to see how the partnership with National Debt Relief can lead to success on the track in 2026.
Overall, Denny Hamlin’s focus is on moving past the legal battles and working towards a brighter future for NASCAR. The sport has faced challenges, but with renewed partnerships and a commitment to improvement, the 2026 Cup Series season promises to be an exciting and competitive one.
