Denny Hamlin shared a glimpse of what Corey Heim’s future with 23XI Racing might look like as the racing team continues in its lawsuit against NASCAR.
Heim currently is the development driver for Hamlin and Michael Jordan’s 23XI team, with the 23-year-old taking part in select races, most recently finishing sixth at Bristol. The young star has spent most of his time driving in the NASCAR Truck Series, racking up 10 first place finishes this season, including playoffs.
While Heim is on a trajectory of stardom, the lawsuit between 23XI and NASCAR could threaten to derail his future plans, while another driver revealed it saw them pull out of a Cup Series return at Talladega. However, Hamlin shared what the team had planed for the 23-year-old amid uncertainity as it pertains to the battle between his team and NASCAR.
“Well, I mean, I think that obviously the outcome of December 1st, you know, will dictate a lot of things,” he told reporters when asked if the current lawsuit between his team and NASCAR will impact how Heim will continue to develop for 23XI in the seasons to come.
“But, again, he’s a development driver for 23XI. He’s got races on his schedule as, as of right now. And we don’t see any of that changing.”
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The Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) star’s comments come days after he aimed strong words at NASCAR, as it pertains to the ongoing lawsuit, in which 23XI and Front Row Motorsports allege anticompetitive and monopolistic practices by the sport’s leadership. Speaking to The Charlotte Observer, Hamlin stated that a change in mindset on NASCAR’s part is what could help end the dispute.
“I think that realistically, they are going to have to change their thinking when it comes to settlement for us to get remotely close,” the JGR driver told the outlet.
“They’ve publicly said they don’t know what we want – and that’s just not true. They know exactly what we’ve asked for. It’s going to take a shift in mindset on their part if we’re ever going to resolve this.”
It’s clear that the dispute between the teams and NASCAR has reverberating effects that impact drivers on throughout the sport. Burton explained on social media that he was forced to give up his efforts at Talladega Superspeedway.
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He stated: “I was supposed to be in this race today had it all signed and done but this lawsuit situation made it very difficult for us to be able to go and make the race so we backed off. Hopefully next year.”
As the teams continue to battle NASCAR, Hamlin’s focus lies on winning his first championship. With the championship race taking place in Arizona this season, Hamlin fired a stern warning to JGR after experiencing issues at Talladega.
“We’ve got to get our s— together at the shop to keep our cars from breaking down,” Hamlin stated as he and JGR look to win a championship in early November.