Denny Hamlin’s personal ambitions unfazed amid 23XI-NASCAR charter drama

Ahead of the first playoff race, the Quaker State 400 at Atlanta Motor Speedway, Denny Hamlin shared his aspiration to clinch a championship title this year. He also touched on how the absence of a finalized charter deal affects various aspects, including solidifying terms with his 23XI Racing driver, Bubba Wallace.

Addressing the potential distractions caused by ongoing charter negotiations during the playoffs, Denny Hamlin spoke with Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass and commented:

"I feel like I've been in these situations a lot and certainly in the playoffs. I've always given my team 100% and I would have to Chris Gabehart and all the guys and girls working on this #11 car. So, my objective is still in the next 10 weeks is win a championship."

In the meantime, when Bob Pockrass asked whether it was true that Bubba Wallace's future with the 23XI Racing team hinged on the outcome of the charter negotiations, as hinted by Wallace, the co-owner of the 23XI Racing confirmed,

"Anything in the future certainly depends on things like that. So, sure!"

Denny Hamlin is currently positioned 6th in the standings, holding a 10-point advantage above the cutoff and rounding off the top 12 drivers. Given that the Atlanta racetrack has historically been challenging for him, and with only one win there in 20 years, it will be interesting to see if he can manage to at least secure stage points or a win in the upcoming race.

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Denny Hamlin is not happy with NASCAR's handling of the charter negotiation offer

Amid speculation that NASCAR is satisfied with the latest draft of the charter negotiation deal—contrary to the teams' perspectives—Hamlin voiced his frustrations during the Playoff Media Day on Wednesday. He described the ongoing negotiations as "stagnant" and pointed out the need for change in the approach taken. He remarked,

"One side will have to wake up and be reasonable. That’s all." [at 0:15]

Further criticizing, implying a divide in the negotiations, he added:

"They keep going in the wrong direction." [at 1:14]

When pressed for more details on his stance regarding the charter negotiation deal, Denny Hamlin shared his dissatisfaction and stated:

"We don't have any agreement in front of us that is locking of arms and it's all one-sided. [...] I chose to invest back in the France family and NASCAR and they are yet to show me an opportunity where I’m gonna get that back." [at 2:45]

Hamlin also expressed frustration about being among the few team owners vocal about the negotiations, while others seem willing to accept whatever NASCAR proposes. He believes that the teams must unite in their stance to urge NASCAR to find a compromise that is mutually advantageous for both the teams and the organization.