### Denny Hamlin's Emotional Testimony Highlights Financial Struggles in NASCAR Antitrust Trial Denny Hamlin, a prominent figure in NASCAR and co-owner of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan, has taken center stage in a landmark federal antitrust trial against NASCAR. The trial, which began on December 1, 2025, focuses on the financial challenges faced by racing teams under NASCAR's current revenue-sharing model. Hamlin's testimony has revealed the significant costs associated with operating a NASCAR team, including a staggering $20 million required to field a single car for a season, excluding overhead and driver salaries. The trial is expected to last two weeks, with both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports arguing that NASCAR's practices are monopolistic and detrimental to smaller teams [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nascar-star-denny-hamlin-breaks-173812223.html][https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-ad010633f67bada67e05d54191ad4028]. ### Structure of the Antitrust Trial and Key Testimonies 1. **Trial Background and Context** - The antitrust trial was initiated by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, claiming that NASCAR's revenue model is unfair and monopolistic [https://augustafreepress.com/news/nascar-antitrust-trial-denny-hamlin-grilled-on-financials-in-contentious-day-2]. - Denny Hamlin's testimony has been pivotal, highlighting the financial burdens teams face, including substantial fees paid to NASCAR [https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-ad010633f67bada67e05d54191ad4028]. 2. **Key Testimonies and Emotional Moments** - On December 2, Hamlin faced intense cross-examination, during which he broke down emotionally, underscoring the stress and financial strain of operating a NASCAR team [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nascar-star-denny-hamlin-breaks-173812223.html]. - He revealed that losing a single sponsor could wipe out profits, emphasizing the precarious financial situation of many teams [https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-ad010633f67bada67e05d54191ad4028]. 3. **Financial Insights and Implications** - Hamlin disclosed that 23XI Racing spent over $700,000 in fees to NASCAR in 2022 alone, illustrating the high costs associated with participation in the series [https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-ad010633f67bada67e05d54191ad4028]. - The trial has also revealed internal communications, including a text from Hamlin to Jordan expressing a desire to be bought out of 23XI, which shocked courtroom observers [https://essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-michael-jordan-betrayed-courtroom-stunned-as-nascar-reveals-denny-hamlins-secret-demand-to-abandon-23xi]. ### Supporting Evidence and Financial Data - **Cost Breakdown for NASCAR Teams** - **Total Cost to Field a Car**: $20 million per season (excluding overhead and salaries) [https://yardbarker.com/nascar/articles/denny_hamlin_takes_stand_as_nascar_antitrust_trial_begins/s1_17046_43147188]. - **Fees Paid to NASCAR**: Over $700,000 in 2022 for 23XI Racing [https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-ad010633f67bada67e05d54191ad4028]. - **Charter Costs**: 23XI Racing paid $46.2 million for three charters, highlighting the financial stakes involved [https://yardbarker.com/nascar/articles/denny_hamlin_takes_stand_as_nascar_antitrust_trial_begins/s1_17046_43147188]. ### Conclusion: The Implications of the Antitrust Trial The ongoing antitrust trial against NASCAR, spearheaded by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan's 23XI Racing, has brought to light the severe financial challenges faced by racing teams. **Key findings include**: 1. **High Operational Costs**: Teams face exorbitant costs, with Hamlin citing $20 million needed to compete in a season [https://yardbarker.com/nascar/articles/denny_hamlin_takes_stand_as_nascar_antitrust_trial_begins/s1_17046_43147188]. 2. **Revenue Model Critique**: The current revenue-sharing model is seen as monopolistic, favoring larger teams and jeopardizing the viability of smaller operations [https://apnews.com/article/nascar-lawsuit-ad010633f67bada67e05d54191ad4028]. 3. **Emotional Toll**: Hamlin's emotional breakdown in court underscores the personal and financial stress that comes with competing in NASCAR [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/nascar-star-denny-hamlin-breaks-173812223.html]. As the trial progresses, the outcomes could significantly reshape the landscape of NASCAR and its financial structures, potentially leading to a more equitable environment for all teams involved.