Predictably, no comment.
It was hard to imagine Denny Hamlin and everyone associated with 23XI Racing having much else to say in the aftermath of losing charter status this week due to a decision by the Fourth Circuit of Appeals over an injunction issued in December by a district judge.
So for at least the next two Cup Series races, 23XI and Front Row Motorsports will race as open teams not privy to the financial perks associated with the charter system as the district court considers a new injunction filing issued by the teams.
There is also the matter of the basis for the previous injunction, that Tyler Reddick has an opt-out clause built into his contract that allows him to leave 23XI if the team no longer has chartered status.
Read more: Why two Cup teams and NASCAR are suing each other
“Um, I don’t have any direct comment to that,” Hamlin said when asked on Saturday at Dover Motor Speedway. “All I can tell you, and this will be my blanket answer for all things about this, if you want answers and want to understand why this is happening, come December 1, you’ll get the answers that you’re looking for and all will be exposed.”
As for Reddick and possibly exercising his opt-out clause?
“I have no comment on that,” Reddick said when asked during his own press conference. “Thank you.”
But it’s about your future, said the Associated Press reporter, following up.
“I don’t have a comment on that. Thank you.”
Read more: What is NASCAR’s charter system and how it works
Both parties that are part of this lawsuit and countersuit, 23XI and Front v. NASCAR, and vice versa are on a course for a trial on December 1. The two parties are wrapping up fact discovery this week, the opening of books and documents, and will then we placed into court mandate mediation starting next month in pursuit of any possible chance at a settlement.
The teams have won their fair share of sub-cases and NASCAR has too but it has been costly for both sides.
With that in mind, is Hamlin second guessing that decision?
“Not a chance,” Hamlin said.
And the potential of having to race open the remainder of this season, if it comes down to it?
“December 1 is all that matters. That’s all that matters.”
And also with all of that said, Hamlin said he is still focused on performing for Joe Gibbs Racing, where he co-leads the Cup Series in wins even despite what could be perceived as a massive distraction this summer.
“I’d love to be doing other things,” Hamlin said. “I have a lot going on. When I get in the car, my team gets 100 percent, regardless of side jobs, side gigs, another kid, my team gets 100 percent.”
