Denny Hamlin reacts to engine issues, poor qualifying run heading into NASCAR playoffs

There is a lot going on around Denny Hamlin today. Charter negotiations are one thing, now he’s starting dead last on Sunday. Hamlin heard a pop as he made his qualifying lap at Atlanta to start the NASCAR Playoffs.

The team doesn’t seem too worried about it. The No. 11 team is feeling good about the speed in the car. Now, they have to figure out what went wrong and sunk their qualifying run.

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There was really no worry, but if they can’t get the car diagnosed, then it becomes an issue. You never want powertrain issues as you get off the hauler.

“Just slow,” Denny Hamlin told Wendy Venturini on PRN. “No real indication other than just really slow, then they come in and diagnose it. They’ll figure it out.”

When asked what the problem was, “It’s certainly in the powertrain.”

He repeated much of the same sentiment on TV.

“It means we start last. Then we’ll just battle to the front,” Hamlin explained on the broadcast. “Our Mavis Camry, I’m sure, is going to be pretty good tomorrow. We feel good about what we brought, just yeah, gotta get it to the finish.”

Of course, this is not even the beginning of his worries this week. 23XI Racing refused to sign the charter agreement by the deadline NASCAR imposed for Friday night. Front Row Motorsports did not sign, either.

Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing puts out a statement

In the aftermath of today’s news regarding the charter agreement, 23XI Racing did put out a statement. Denny Hamlin, Curtis Polk, and Michael Jordan have all been very outspoken about the negotiations this year.

“23XI decided to not meet a NASCAR-imposed deadline last night to sign Charter agreements for its two cars for 2025-2031,” the Cup Series team said in a statement. “23XI’s position, as stated in a letter to NASCAR, is that we did not have an opportunity to fairly bargain for a new Charter contract.

“We notified NASCAR what issues needed to be addressed, in writing, at the deadline. We are interested in engaging in constructive discussions with NASCAR to address these issues and move forward in a way that comes to a fair resolution, while strengthening the sport we all love.

“At 23XI Racing, we remain committed to competing at the highest level while also standing firm in our belief that NASCAR should be governed by fair and equitable practices.”

Could we see Denny Hamlin lead a break in stock car racing’s highest level? There is going to be more drama before this gets closure, at least, it feels that way right now.