Denny Hamlin speaks out about NASCAR lawsuit settlement talks: 'Suicide mission'

Earlier this week, the two sides in the NASCAR antitrust lawsuit met for settlement discussions and mediation. Denny Hamlin was present for the settlement talks and has his own opinions on how things went down on Tuesday and Wednesday.

While a settlement was not reached this week, Judge Kenneth Bell, who is overseeing the case, credited both sides with putting forth good faith efforts. Apparently, those talks didn’t impress Denny Hamlin all that much.

At Martinsville, Hamlin was asked about how things went earlier in the week. He gave an honest answer as he has done many times before on this topic.

“It was OK the first day, not great the second day,” Hamlin said, 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.”

Strong words from Denny Hamlin. These words echo a lot of what 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports’ attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, has said.

This weekend, the NASCAR Playoffs continue at Martinsville. Even after the season ends at Phoenix next weekend, the lawsuit will still be going on. It is headed for a trial on December 1 as of right now. Barring a settlement or a summary judgment decision from Judge Bell that ends the lawsuit, it’s going to go to trial.

Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan have both been in court during these proceedings. They were both there at the summary judgment hearing on Thursday as well. After that hearing, Kessler put out a statement that pretty much guaranteed this case is going to trial.

Denny Hamlin has starter issue in qualifying

Now, back to what is going on on the track, Denny Hamlin qualified well today at Martinsville. However, Hamlin had an issue with his starter…again. This is the third or fourth time that a starter issue has arisen for the 11 team.

This is just unacceptable at this time of the season. Hamlin is going to race at Phoenix for the championship. A bad starter cannot be what keeps him from winning the title that he has chased for so long. Not in this season that has meant so much to his career.

Hamlin’s team is going to try to fix the problem without having to go to the rear. That is a delicate process. We will see if Hamlin gets to keep his starting spot in P5 or if he will have to fight from the rear. Whatever the outcome, Joe Gibbs Racing has to solve this problem. Not later, now.