Denny Hamlin voiced sharp criticism following this week’s Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit settlement discussions, expressing disappointment in how the negotiations unfolded on Tuesday and Wednesday in court. The driver, who has been outspoken on the legal dispute involving NASCAR, was present in person as both sides attempted to resolve the ongoing antitrust case in mediation overseen by Judge Kenneth Bell.
The attempt to negotiate a resolution between NASCAR and the opposing parties ultimately ended in a stalemate, with no agreement reached during the two-day session. Judge Bell acknowledged that both camps worked sincerely to find common ground, but Hamlin was far from satisfied with the outcome. Speaking from Martinsville, where NASCAR Playoffs races are underway, Hamlin did not hold back his assessment.
It was OK the first day, not great the second day,
Denny Hamlin, via Jeff Gluck of The Athletic.
Didn’t end in any resolution, unfortunately. … Both sides probably feel strongly about their case. I think one of us is on a suicide mission.
Denny Hamlin, via Jeff Gluck of The Athletic.
Hamlin’s remarks reflect sentiment echoed by Jeffrey Kessler, legal representative for 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. The tension highlighted by Hamlin underscores the strained relations as the lawsuit approaches its trial date. While this weekend’s focus shifts to the track at Martinsville for the ongoing Playoffs, legal proceedings loom ahead, with a court trial scheduled for December 1 unless a settlement is reached before then or Judge Bell issues a summary judgment.
In a show of the case’s significance, both Hamlin and Michael Jordan—his partner at 23XI Racing—attended the summary judgment hearing on Thursday, signaling their personal investment in the resolution. After the hearing, Kessler released a statement affirming that, barring an unexpected legal breakthrough, the case appears set for trial.
Hamlin Confronts Technical Frustration During Qualifying
Shifting back to the action at Martinsville, Hamlin managed a strong qualifying performance but faced recurring technical troubles with his car’s starter. This marks the third or fourth such issue for Hamlin’s number 11 team this season, an exasperating setback particularly at such a critical point in the championship hunt.
For Hamlin, whose season has built toward a shot at the title in Phoenix, these mechanical reliability concerns are unwelcome distractions. The team now faces the delicate task of resolving the starter issue without forcing Hamlin to give up his fifth-place starting position. Whether or not the problem forces him to drop to the back for the race, urgent action is needed from Joe Gibbs Racing to correct the persistent issue and preserve his championship hopes.
As the Playoffs continue and with the Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit settlement still unresolved, all eyes remain on both track performance and the courtroom. The legal showdown is on course for a high-stakes trial in December, keeping the racing world and its key figures—like Hamlin, Michael Jordan, Judge Bell, and Jeffrey Kessler—on edge as the season nears its conclusion in Phoenix.
Asked by @Jordan_Bianchi, Denny Hamlin comments on the settlement talks this week: "It was OK the first day, not great the second day. Didn't end in any resolution, unfortunately. … Both sides probably feel strongly about their case. I think one of us is on a suicide mission."
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) October 25, 2025
