Denny Hamlin maintained a composed presence during an intense day of questioning in court, as he testified in the highly publicized NASCAR trial on the future and finances of racing teams. The Denny Hamlin NASCAR trial testimony on the stand revealed deep tensions between teams and the sport’s leadership, highlighting ongoing disputes over costs and compensation in the world of stock car racing.
Hamlin Faces Intensive Cross-Examination About Salary and Team Spending
During the trial, Denny Hamlin, who competes as the driver of the No. 11 car for Joe Gibbs Racing and also co-owns 23XI Racing, endured four hours of interrogations led by the defense. Much of the scrutiny centered on Hamlin’s reported $14 million annual salary at Joe Gibbs Racing. When pressed about whether he deserved this sum, Hamlin explained that his earnings are justified by his success on the track, underscoring his value through race wins.
The questioning moved to his role as a team owner, with Hamlin revealing that he has invested heavily in the team’s infrastructure and operations. He disclosed that he personally funded about half of the Airspeed facility, pays 40 percent of ongoing team costs, and is repaying a $45 million loan tied to these endeavors.
Defense attorneys referenced internal emails that criticized Hamlin for alleged irresponsible spending. Hamlin responded by saying it falls to his co-owner to provide oversight of his financial decisions. The NASCAR veteran shifted focus to the league’s business model, expressing serious frustration by citing the departure of 11 originally chartered teams—a fact he sees as evidence of a business structure that is no longer sustainable for team owners.
A critical point during testimony was the financial burden imposed on teams: Hamlin explained that while the France family directs teams to keep annual spending around $10 million, the actual cost required to keep a team competitive is roughly $20 million per year. Meanwhile, the 2025 charter agreement allocates only $12.5 million to each team annually, highlighting a significant deficit.
Emotional Reactions and Future Trial Developments
Hamlin’s testimony sparked emotional moments, including a tearful reflection on his own journey to the NASCAR Cup Series. The ongoing trial features a thorough 44-page witness document from Hamlin’s 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports, which the jury is expected to review in the coming weeks as the legal proceedings continue.
After a demanding cross-examination, Hamlin was approached outside the courthouse regarding his state of mind. He stated,
“Good, I’m good.”
— Denny Hamlin, driver/co-owner, in response to post-trial questions, as relayed by Bob Pockrass.
Podcast Comments Add Tension to the Courtroom
The second day of the trial saw NASCAR attorney Lawrence E. Buterman questioning Hamlin about public comments made on podcasts, in particular regarding his views on the state of the sport and its leadership. NASCAR reporter Joseph Srigley recounted that Hamlin had previously identified the NextGen race car as a positive development during his appearance on the Kenny Wallace Podcast. The attorney pressed Hamlin on his publicly supportive remarks regarding NASCAR, to which he replied,
“Because if I say anything bad, I get a lashing from NASCAR. So, publicly, it’s all sunshine and rainbows. My job is to take the talking points NASCAR says to him and say them publicly. If he says anything bad, he gets a phone call from NASCAR,” Denny Hamlin replied.
— Denny Hamlin, as recounted by Joseph Srigley during court testimony.
Srigley continued that when Hamlin had praised an event in Mexico City during the same podcast, Hamlin clarified,
“Yes, that was your talking point,”
— Denny Hamlin, as further highlighted by Joseph Srigley in court.
Ongoing Conflict Over NASCAR’s Policies
The courtroom discussion also referenced earlier episodes this year, when Hamlin openly challenged statements made by NASCAR’s sanctioning body about the performance and readiness of the Next Gen car. Hamlin argued that the organization had promised a car suitable for all tracks, yet, in reality, the vehicle was made available for testing only shortly before its debut—adding a layer of frustration for teams investing heavily in adaptability and resources.
Throughout his testimony, Hamlin’s words and demeanor mirrored the underlying tension that has been growing between team owners and the sport’s central authority. The next weeks of the trial are expected to offer further insight into these disputes, likely influencing future financial agreements and the direction of team relationships within NASCAR.
Denny Hamlin after four hours on the stand over last two days and nearly three hours of it cross-examination: “I’m good.” pic.twitter.com/X3JgO7Z6Zp
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 2, 2025
