Kenny Wallace warns Denny Hamlin and Co. of tough road in 2025 if Brad Keselowski expands
Retired NASCAR driver and TV personality Kenny Wallace took to social media to weigh in on the latest regarding the ongoing legal battle between NASCAR and Cup Series teams 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The most recent development came Friday when a federal judge denied an injunction made by the teams to retain their charters for next season.
Wallace took to his personal X account to post his traditional "Coffee with Kenny" video to discuss the latest on the situation. The 61-year-old noted that 23XI Racing sent out a statement on how they intend to race in 2025 even without a charter.
The Missouri native also pointed out that the team co-owned by retired NBA legend Michael Jordan and Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin 23XI Racing car won't have a guaranteed spot in the field next year without a charter. Despite that, Wallace expects them to still compete in most races based on their performance and lack of entries in the Cup Series.
"That means if there's 43 cars, they're only starting 40," Wallace said. "Nine times out of 10, they're going to make every race. Here's why, there's not that many teams in NASCAR. It's very expensive to buy a car. Those cars are a lot of money." (3:10 onwards).
Wallace further explained that 23XI and Front Row will miss out on a lot of money and suffer some heartache because they'll have to put in extra effort to qualify.
While Wallace doesn't expect more than 40 Cup Series entries next season, he noted that RFK Racing, co-owned by Jack Roush and Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, is reportedly looking to expand to a three-car team next season. Wallace raised the possibility of trouble for 23XI and Front Row if that were to be the case.
"If RFK, Roush Fenway, Keselowski, if they start another team, that means more cars, so I don't know. Let's watch that. Let's see if more cars come into NASCAR."
Wallace went on to throw in a joke about the irony that 23XI and Front Row are suing NASCAR for monopolistic practices while Fenway and Keselowski are starting up another team. However, Wallace backtracked and acknowledged 23XI Racing's intentions.
"I understand Denny Hamlin and I understand Michael Jordan," Wallace said. "They just want a bigger piece of the pie. I'm not condemning them whatsoever. I said that these guys are great athletes, they're used to dealing with other sports."
23XI Racing driver Tyler Reddick locked himself into this year's Championship 4 race
Despite the controversy off the track, Tyler Reddick wheeled his #45 23XI Racing machine into this Sunday's Championship 4 race at Phoenix after winning at Homestead-Miami in the Round of 8. Reddick is seeking his first career championship as well as 23XI's.
Reddick will battle Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, and William Byron for the championship. The action from Phoenix gets underway on Sunday at 2 p.m. EST on NBC.