23XI CFO's claim that Denny Hamlin “relies on regurgitating what Chris Gabehart says as if it were gospel” surfaces

Newly uncovered exhibits from the antitrust lawsuit have revealed a candid assessment of Denny Hamlin as a team owner. Michael Jordan's Chief Financial Officer praised Hamlin as a driver, but criticised him as a 'terrible businessman' who believes he can solve any problem by throwing money at it.

The exhibits were part of an email from March 2024, well before 23XI Racing's antitrust lawsuit took shape. The filings were allowed for public viewing on Friday, November 7.

NASCAR analyst Bob Pockrass shared an excerpt from the email that read:

"He does not know as much as he thinks he does about race strategy and the other nuts and bolts of racing. Denny relies on regurgitating what Chris Gabehart says as if it were gospel. He is a terrible businessman. He ascribes to the dumb theory that if [you] spend more money it will translate into wins and speed." "This is only true to a small extent. He is always telling the team that money is no object and that he is making the decisions on how to spend it. This pushes the staff to make decisions that are not necessarily the best but they feel they have to make those decisions."

Denny Hamlin has undergone a roller coaster of emotions this year. From starting the season with a new crew chief to losing 23XI's charter status and contesting as an open team, the Cup Series veteran was looking forward to the long-elusive title that ultimately slipped from his hands.

In a recent interview, the 44-year-old shared that the title loss drained him of so much energy.

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Denny Hamlin reveals future plans amid growing concerns

Denny Hamlin cut a despondent look after losing his title bid at Phoenix, which led to reports that he might retire soon. Many compared his heartbreak to that of Carl Edwards, who retired from the sport after losing the title in a similar fashion.

In an interview ahead of NASCAR awards banquet, Hamlin addressed the idea of racing next season.

"I plan to. I have a contract, but at this point, there's just absolutely no way that I would even -- I don't even think about race cars right now. I'm gonna need some time on this one," he said via X/Jeff Gluck

Soon after the title loss, support poured in from all corners of the sport. William Byron personally apologized to Denny Hamlin for causing the late-race caution that derailed his momentum, while 2025 Cup Series champion Kyle Larson gave a shoutout to the 44-year-old during his acceptance speech.

Veterans like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin Harvick also chimed in and relayed their sympathies. Notably, Hamlin was hoping to win in front of his ailing father.

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Edited by Vignesh Kanna