Earlier this week, the two sides NASCAR antitrust lawsuit convened for settlement discussions and mediation. Denny Hamlin was present at the settlement negotiations and has his own opinion on how things went Tuesday and Wednesday.
Although no settlement was reached this week, Judge Kenneth Bell, who is overseeing the case, credited both sides for their good faith efforts. Apparently, these discussions didn’t impress Denny Hamlin much.
In 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 subject.
“It was good the first day, not great the second day,” Hamlin said, via Jeff Gluck from Athletics. “Unfortunately, it didn’t result in any resolution. … Both sides are probably very committed to their cause. I think one of us is on a suicide mission.”
Strong words from Denny Hamlin. Those words largely echo what 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports attorney Jeffrey Kessler said.
This weekend, the NASCAR Playoffs continue at Martinsville. Even after the season ends in Phoenix next weekend, the trial will still be ongoing. His trial is expected to take place on December 1. Unless there is a settlement or a summary decision by Judge Bell that ends the case, it will proceed to trial.
Both Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan appeared in court during these proceedings. They were also both present at Thursday’s summary judgment hearing. After this hearing, Kessler issue a statement this pretty much guarantees that this case will go to trial.
Denny Hamlin has starter problem in qualifying
Now let’s get back to what’s happening on the track. Denny Hamlin qualified well today at Martinsville. However, Hamlin had a problem with his starter…again. This is the third or fourth time a starter problem has arisen for Team 11.
This is simply unacceptable at this time of the season. Hamlin will race in Phoenix for the championship. A bad start can’t be what stops him from winning the title he has coveted for so long. Not in this season which meant so much to his career.
Hamlin’s team will try to resolve the problem without having to go through the back door. It’s a delicate process. We will see if Hamlin will keep his starting place in P5 or if he will have to fight from the back. Whatever the outcome, Joe Gibbs Racing needs to fix this. Not later, now.
