Hamlin not cleared to race in Saturday’s Cup race

  • Associated Press
  • Wednesday, April 24, 2013 4:54pm
  • SportsSports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Denny Hamlin hasn’t been cleared to race at his home track in Richmond as he had hoped.

Hamlin sustained a compression fracture of a vertebra in his lower back in a last-lap accident at California on March 24. Doctors said he’d miss at least five races, but Hamlin hoped to return early to race at Richmond, where he’s a two-time winner.

But Hamlin wasn’t cleared Wednesday to race after visits to Dr. Jerry Petty of Carolina Neurosurgery and Spine Associates, and apparently consultations with others.

“Unfortunately I won’t be racing this weekend at Richmond,” he posted on Twitter. “It kills me to not be in the car for my team and sponsors but after long discussions with the doctors we have decided to wait on my return back to racing.

“Thanks to all of my fans who have sent encouraging messages over the last month. I’ll be back in no time.”

Hamlin has missed three races so far, two of which were won by Joe Gibbs Racing teammates Kyle Busch and Matt Kenseth.

Brian Vickers will drive the No. 11 Toyota for him Saturday night at Richmond.

Hamlin also will miss his annual Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown, the race he hosts at Richmond International Raceway to benefit the Denny Hamlin Cystic Fibrosis Research Lab at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. He had already tabbed Kenseth to replace him in his car for the charity race after he was injured, but had hoped to get back in time to race the Sprint Cup event.

Instead, he’ll again be a spectator for both events.

Hamlin has been watching the Cup races alongside crew chief Darian Grubb on top of the pit box, where he wears a headset and communicates with Vickers. He’s said it has given him a different perspective on the racing — one he hopes he can apply upon his return.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Storm three games over .500 near the halfway point

Star forward Nneka Ogwumike was voted an All-Star starter Monday.

Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Abraham Lucas fist bumps a camper at the third annual League Advantage Youth Football Camp at Lucas' alma mater, Archbishop Murphy High School, on Saturday, June 28, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Seahawks’ Abraham Lucas hosts football camp at alma mater

The Archbishop Murphy alum hosts around 125 local kids for a free day of football activities.

Top recruit Kaleo Anderson commits to Virginia Tech WBB

The King’s guard was The Herald’s 2025 Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

NBA free agency 2025: Analysis from Day 1

Day 1 of free agency is in the books, and we don’t… Continue reading

Texas State to join the Pac-12, allowing it to qualify as FBS conference

The Pac-12 officially has its eighth football-playing member. The conference announced on… Continue reading

Everett AquaSox pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje throw against the Tri-City Dust Devils at Funko Field on May 10, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Shari Sommerfeld / Everett AquaSox)
Jurrangelo Cijntje, Lazaro Montes named to Futures Game

One current Everett AquaSox player and two former ones have… Continue reading

Everett AquaSox infielder Colt Emerson gets a high-five from teammate Lazaro Montes after scoring during the game against the Tri-City Dust Devils on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Vote for the Frog of the Week

Who is the Frog of the Week? Vote for the Everett AquaSox… Continue reading

AquaSox pitcher Evan Truitt throws a pitch during Everett's 19-8 loss to the Eugene Emeralds at Funko Field on Sunday. The 22-year-old right-hander allowed a grand slam in the fourth inning, the third one given up by the AquaSox this week. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Up Hit’s Creek: AquaSox blown out by Eugene in homestand finale

Two position players combine to pitch final 4 innings due to gassed bullpen in 19-8 loss.

AquaSox pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje delivers a pitch during Everett's 9-3 loss to the Eugene Emeralds at Funko Field on Saturday. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
AquaSox scoring woes continue in loss to Eugene

Trouble plating runners and a fourth-inning blow-up on the mound doom Everett in 9-3 loss.

Kevin Harvick (right) speaks at the Mark Galloway 150 Shootout media lunch alongside his son, Keelan, at Evergreen Speedway on Friday. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
NASCAR legend set to return to Evergreen Speedway

Kevin Harvick and his son, Keelan, will face off in the Mark Galloway 150 Shootout on Saturday.

Everett Silvertips’ Carter Bear on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Carter Bear becomes Silvertips’ first NHL first-round pick in 10 years

The Detroit Red Wings select the forward 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Draft on Friday.

Everett AquaSox pitcher Jurrangelo Cijntje throws against the Spokane Indians at Funko Field on May 31, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Evan Morud / Everett AquaSox)
AquaSox switch-pitcher’s long path leads to Everett

High-A baseball represents just another step in Jurrangelo Cijntje’s journey.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.