In a rapidly developing controversy surrounding 23XI Racing and NASCAR, Kyle Larson, one of the top drivers in the sport, has shared his perspective on the situation, bringing even more attention to the ongoing legal battle. 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin, has found itself embroiled in a legal dispute with NASCAR regarding penalties issued during the 2024 season.
The team is fighting a substantial penalty levied by NASCAR for alleged rule violations, which have included infractions related to car modifications and post-race inspections. NASCAR has been steadfast in its decision, issuing heavy fines and suspensions, but 23XI Racing is standing firm in its defense, citing inconsistent enforcement of rules and procedural issues as grounds for legal action.
Kyle Larson, who drives for Hendrick Motorsports and is known for his candid opinions, spoke to the media about the unfolding situation. He acknowledged the challenges faced by 23XI Racing but stopped short of fully endorsing either side of the dispute. “It’s tough. I think the sport is built on rules that everyone has to follow, and if someone crosses the line, NASCAR has to act,” Larson said. “But at the same time, teams invest a lot in their cars, and when things don’t seem fair or clear, I can see why they’d push back.”
Larson’s comments highlight a divide in the NASCAR community about the fairness of the penalties and the level of transparency in enforcing the rules. While some drivers and teams have supported 23XI’s stand against what they view as overreaching penalties, others feel that NASCAR is simply doing its job to maintain a level playing field.
What makes the case even more contentious is the significant role that 23XI Racing plays in the sport, not only as a competitive team but as one that has helped expand NASCAR’s appeal to a broader audience. The involvement of prominent figures like Michael Jordan and Bubba Wallace has made the team a symbol of NASCAR’s efforts to modernize and diversify, and any legal battle involving the organization is bound to attract widespread attention.
For now, Kyle Larson remains cautiously neutral, emphasizing the importance of both sides finding common ground. “In the end, I just hope it gets resolved quickly and fairly so we can all focus on racing,” he said, summing up the sentiment shared by many in the NASCAR world as they await further developments in the legal case.