Denny Hamlin calls out writer for 'propaganda piece'

NASCAR Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin (11) during qualifying for the NASCAR Championship race at Phoenix Raceway. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Denny Hamlin calls out ESPN writer for 'propaganda piece' ahead of NASCAR antitrust trial

By Samuel Stubbs | Last updated Nov 28, 2025 4:40 PM ET

Denny Hamlin was not particularly pleased with an article from ESPN's Ryan McGee regarding the Dec. 1 trial in the antitrust case involving 23XI Racing/Front Row Motorsports and NASCAR.

Hamlin, a co-owner of 23XI, called out McGee for writing a "propaganda piece" ahead of the beginning of the trial in the case on Monday. 23XI Racing and FRM initially sued NASCAR in October 2024, citing monopolistic practices by the sanctioning body.

Denny Hamlin fires back at ESPN writer for article about antitrust case

McGee published a piece on ESPN on Friday detailing what has happened in the case so far.

"Please give credit to (Mike Forde, NASCAR's Managing Director for Racing Communications) for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative," Hamlin said in a social media post on Friday. "Continuous lies about our stance, NASCARs motives for its actions, and continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know better."

Please give credit to @mforde for helping you write this propaganda piece that they want pushed to switch the narrative. Continuous lies about our stance, NASCARs motives for its actions, and continued message from the sanctioning body that everything is fine. Our fans know…
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 28, 2025

McGee responded by saying that he tried to "hit it down the middle" in regard to what was presented in the article, but Hamlin disagreed.

Tried to hit it down the middle, thus all the "(Fill in the blank) believes..." and "(Fill in the blank) argues..." Sorry you disgaree, but thanks for reading. See you Monday.
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) November 28, 2025

"Our fans have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades," Hamlin said in response. "Narratives pushed by media who are intimidated by them. Lies are over starting Monday morning. It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change."

Our fans have been brainwashed with their talking points for decades. Narratives pushed by media who are intimidated by them.
Lies are over starting Monday morning.
It’s time for the truth. It’s time for change.
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) November 28, 2025

McGee, a native of Rockingham, North Carolina, has covered NASCAR for over two decades. He was the scriptwriter for the acclaimed 2007 documentary "Dale", which chronicled the life and career of NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt, and became a staple of ESPN's NASCAR coverage while the sport was carried by ESPN networks.

Samuel Stubbs

Hailing from the same neck of the woods as NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Samuel has been covering NASCAR for Yardbarker since February 2024. He has been a member of the National Motorsports Press Association (NMPA) since October of 2024. When he’s not writing about racing, Samuel covers Arkansas Razorback basketball for Yardbarker

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