(WOMR file photo)
Denny Hamlin was released from the hospital in Loma Linda, Ca, Monday and flew back to the Charlotte area for further examination by Dr. Jerry Petty of Carolina Neurosurgery & Sine Associates. Hamlin was initially diagnosed, after the crash, with an L1 compression fracture of the lower spine.
Dr. Petty determined that Hamlin will not require surgery, however, he will need time to properly heal, which is estimated around six weeks time. Dr. Petty will make the determination when Hamlin will be able to return to racing this season. No decision has been made on a replacement driver for Hamlin during his absence from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.
Elliott Sadler Subs
Elliott Sadler has been chosen as the primary sub for Denny Hamlin in the Joe Gibbs Racing FedEx Toyota. All that’s preventing an official announcement, as of Wednesday morning is a few details to work out with sponsor Fed Ex. Sadler, who was long pegged as the likely choice is driving full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the Nationwide Series and was scheduled to drive a fourth Cup car in a limited schedule later this season. There are no conflicts on the Nationwide schedule that would affect Sadler until early June.
So it appears that this injury has put Denny Hamlin’s pursuit of a the elusive Sprint Cup championship on hold for still another year!
TIL NEXT TIME, I AM STILL WORKING ON MY REDNECK!
