Hamlin Accuses ESPN of Bias Ahead of NASCAR Antitrust Trial
NASCAR’s looming antitrust trial with 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with team owner Denny Hamlin publicly accusing ESPN of biased reporting just days before proceedings begin. The escalating tensions signal a deeply personal and contentious battle over the future of the sport’s competitive structure.
On Thursday, November 28, 2025, Hamlin took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his dissatisfaction with an article published by ESPN’s Ryan McGee, which explained the core issues of the antitrust lawsuit. Hamlin alleges the piece was crafted with input from a key NASCAR representative to deliberately shape public perception.
“Please give credit to [Mike Forde] for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative,” Hamlin posted. “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.”
Denny Hamlin’s post on X/Twitter can be found here.
Mike Forde, NASCAR’s managing director of racing communications and host of the “Hauler Talk” podcast, has a documented history of disagreements with Hamlin, ranging from official statements to statistical interpretations. This pre-trial exchange underscores the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
Sources indicate the lawsuit has already unearthed sensitive information, including personal attacks and financial details that parties involved would have preferred to keep private. The upcoming trial, set to begin in three days, promises to be a revealing and potentially damaging event for all involved.
Jordan to Represent 23XI in Court
While all three 23XI Racing owners – Hamlin, Curtis Polk, and Michael Jordan – are entitled to be present at the trial, only Jordan will be in the courtroom throughout the proceedings. The court has opted to sequester Hamlin and Polk, as they are both scheduled to testify as witnesses. This measure is intended to prevent any potential influence on their testimony.
The decision to have Jordan represent the team in court is strategically significant. Observers suggest the Plaintiffs recognize the powerful impact of having a figure like Jordan visible to the jury.
The case has clearly become deeply personal for Hamlin, evolving from a legal dispute to a matter of principle. Even if a resolution isn’t reached at the trial’s conclusion, the legal battle is far from over.
The losing side is widely expected to appeal to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which has already ruled once in favor of NASCAR in this case, resulting in the revocation of charter status for the teams involved. This prior ruling serves as a critical precedent as the trial unfolds and beyond.
