Denny Hamlin delivered a forceful critique during his court appearance in the NASCAR antitrust trial underway in Charlotte, North Carolina, bringing the Denny Hamlin NASCAR trial testimony into sharp focus. As the principal witness, Hamlin faced heated cross-examination while his team, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports pursue legal action against NASCAR, accusing the sanctioning body of monopolistic abuse.
Hamlin Faces Confrontational Cross-Examination in Antitrust Case
On the stand, Denny Hamlin experienced a tense series of questions from NASCAR’s legal team, who delved into his professional career, his involvement in racing organizations such as 23XI Racing, and the intricacies of his finances. Hamlin’s time in court has been described as emotional and frequently adversarial, setting a combative tone for his contribution to the trial record.
Among the flashpoints, Hamlin was questioned about statements he made on the “Kenny Conversation” podcast with former driver Kenny Wallace. During that July 2024 appearance, he spoke positively about NASCAR’s Next Gen car and the series’ event in Mexico City. However, Hamlin sharply criticized the environment in which he makes public statements about NASCAR:
“Because if I say anything bad, I get a lashing from NASCAR. So, publicly, it’s all sunshine and rainbows,”
— Denny Hamlin, via Joseph Srigley of Racing America
Following further questioning, Hamlin expanded on how tightly NASCAR manages communication from its drivers:
“My job is to take the talking points NASCAR says to [me] and say them publicly. If [I say] anything bad, [I get] a phone call from NASCAR,”
— Denny Hamlin
When pressed specifically about the remarks he made regarding the Mexico City race—a race he did not attend due to the birth of his son—Hamlin replied pointedly:
“Yes, that was your talking point.”
— Denny Hamlin
This exchange highlighted Hamlin’s assertion that NASCAR closely controls its drivers’ public messaging, often discouraging honest or critical commentary. Joseph Srigley, a reporter present at the trial, documented these heated moments as Hamlin described the pressure to follow prescribed narratives.
Disclosure of Hamlin’s Salary with Joe Gibbs Racing
The trial also brought rare transparency regarding financial details within the sport, as Hamlin’s compensation with Joe Gibbs Racing became public. In what is an uncommon revelation, the proceedings exposed that Hamlin, counted among NASCAR’s most successful drivers, earns an estimated $14 million per year from Joe Gibbs Racing. This disclosure is notable, as driver contracts and salaries are typically protected by confidentiality, making this figure a significant point of interest both within and outside the racing community. The revelation could impact salary negotiations throughout top teams such as Toyota, as other organizations gain insight into pay scales for elite drivers.
Anticipated Developments as the Trial Progresses
The NASCAR antitrust lawsuit stands as a pivotal moment for both 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports as they confront the sport’s governing authority in open court. As additional witnesses prepare to testify, the trial promises further detailed scrutiny of NASCAR’s operations, its influence over drivers, and the extent of its control over team management and public communication. Hamlin’s outspoken court testimony has already offered an unfiltered view into the frustrations harbored by some of the sport’s most visible figures in recent months.
With the proceedings only just unfolding, closely watched statements like those in the Denny Hamlin NASCAR trial testimony are expected to shape future interactions between drivers, teams, and NASCAR itself. The outcome of this trial could have a lasting impact on how the organization governs the sport and interacts with participants moving forward.
#NASCAR's council then asked Hamlin about his appearance on the Kenny Wallace Podcast, where he mentioned that the NextGen car was a net-positive about the sport — and didn't say anything negative about the racecar.
🗨️ "Because if I say anything bad, I get a lashing from…
— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) December 2, 2025
