Denny Hamlin has firmly denied reports suggesting that a settlement is near in the high-profile antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR. Recent speculation about progress in the case has increased interest in Denny Hamlin NASCAR lawsuit updates, but Hamlin told reporters at the Championship 4 media session in Phoenix that there is no agreement in sight.
The recent wave of rumors began after last week’s courtroom meeting, which led some to anticipate a quick resolution to the legal dispute before the NASCAR season finale. Notably, several major outlets, including The Athletic, reported that a settlement could be close between NASCAR and both teams before the final weekend of the season. However, when asked directly by Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Hamlin clarified that the information circulating has mostly come from outside sources rather than internal discussions.
“I always get updates about everything,”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
“But mostly that stuff was all through media and not actual dialogue.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Hamlin gave a simple answer when asked if a deal was imminent: “No.”
The antitrust lawsuit at the center of the controversy was filed in October 2024 by 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports. These teams allege that NASCAR operates an unlawful monopoly after refusing to extend the charter agreement. The dispute escalated when NASCAR pulled their charters for part of the 2025 season, significantly affecting their participation. The case took another turn when a federal judge dismissed NASCAR’s counterclaim that accused the teams of colluding, keeping the attention focused on the upcoming trial now scheduled for December 1, 2025.
Hamlin Experiences Setback at Martinsville Before Phoenix Finale
On the racing front, Denny Hamlin’s week has taken a difficult turn following the legal news. During the Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway, Hamlin was forced to retire his No. 11 Toyota with 64 laps remaining due to engine trouble, marking his third Did Not Finish (DNF) of the 2025 season. The mechanical problems dealt a blow to Hamlin’s momentum heading into the all-important Phoenix championship race.
The problems for Hamlin began early in the weekend, when a starter issue interfered with his qualifying, though he still managed to secure a fifth-place start. Once the race was underway, Hamlin moved up quickly to second place, indicating a strong run. However, as the race progressed into its final laps, his car began to smoke and ultimately lost power, commanding his exit from competition.
The troubles extended to others in the Joe Gibbs Racing stable, as Chase Briscoe dropped out with engine failure less than 40 laps earlier, and Riley Herbst, another Toyota driver, faced similar mechanical difficulties. With three Toyotas suffering dramatic failures, concerns about engine reliability have grown as the championship approaches.
“I’m obviously concerned (about the mechanical problems), but there’s nothing I can do about it,” Denny Hamlin told NBC Sports. “We’ll live with it and hopefully we’ll get back next week. Everything was fine and then it just lost power into turn one and that was it. No noises or anything, just silence because it wasn’t running.”
—Denny Hamlin, Driver
Despite this latest challenge, Hamlin heads into the Phoenix championship race as the winningest driver of 2025, boasting six victories for the season. He will be up against tough competition from William Byron, Kyle Larson, and Chase Briscoe in the final quest for the championship.
What Lies Ahead for the Lawsuit and Championship
With no settlement in sight, the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR remains unresolved and will move forward to a federal trial at the end of 2025. The result could have lasting impacts on the structure of team ownership in the sport and the future of charter agreements for all NASCAR teams.
Meanwhile, Hamlin and his peers now face the pressure of the season’s last and most critical race at Phoenix. Questions about mechanical reliability and unresolved legal battles make for a heavy and complicated end to an already eventful year in NASCAR.
Denny Hamlin said he has been getting updates on the lawsuit this week — he hasn't asked to just concentrate on racing for the title — but indicated no settlement is imminent. pic.twitter.com/oAeYwUfykJ
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) October 30, 2025
