Hamlin hopeful to race at Phoenix
Denny Hamlin says his surgically repaired left knee is "painful," but he's hopeful to race in Saturday night's Subway 600 at Phoenix International Raceway.
"It's painful – as anyone who has had this surgery or any similar surgery can tell you – but I am working hard to get back my full range of motion and get back to where I need to be," Hamlin, who had surgery on March 31 to repair the torn ACL in his left knee, said in a press release. "All I can do now is work hard, follow the rehab program and see how fast I can get back. I have a couple of days yet to see how my knee responds and that will help me make the right decision when I get to Phoenix this weekend."
While Casey Mears will be standing by just in case, don't expect Hamlin to get out of the car, at least not before the first pit stop. As long as he starts the race, Hamlin would still receive whatever points his car earns in the race. If Mears were to start, Hamlin would receive zero points, which would be a huge blow to his chances of making the Chase.
Hamlin injured his knee in January playing basketball. Initially he decided to put surgery off until after the season was over. But when doctors informed him that he was potentially damaging the cartilage in the knee, he chose to have surgery now.
"The actual surgery went very well, no issues and no concerns so I owe big thanks to Dr. [Patrick] Connor and the team," Hamlin said. "They took good care of me and gave me every opportunity to be back in the car this weekend."
