Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It looks like a return to the track is out of the question for Denny Hamlin, well for the moment at least.
As NASCAR makes its way back into Richmond International Raceway, Hamlin had a 50/50 chance on making his return to racing at Richmond but it no longer seems to be the case. On Tuesday Hamlin made a statement via Twitter announcing that he will not be making his return as many had expected.
“Unfortunately I won’t be racing this weekend at Richmond,” said Hamlin 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 was injured during the race at Fontana back in March where he was air lifted from the track following a wreck at the finish. He was diagnosed with a compression fracture in his lower back and originally had a six-week timeline in order to heal. Following the race at Kansas Speedway the possibility of a return at Richmond had been brought up during the race weekend but it would be throughout the week if he would be medically cleared to race.
As Hamlin will remain inactive following the latest consultation with his doctors, it hurts his chances at making the chase. Currently Hamlin is 26th in the point standings.
Based on the six weeks timeline from the first diagnoses his return would be at Talladega but as of now only time will tell when he will be allowed to make his return.
Hamlin has always been one of the most competitive drivers on the track and has made the chase in every season he has competed in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. The 2013 season may be the season he might miss the chase but its better for his injuries to heal and be safe rather than aggravating his back and making it worse. When he does make his return to the track it would be about making the best out of the remainder of the season and possibly be the spoiler for everyone else.
Despite the setback to his 2013 season with his injury Hamlin will be back to normal and continue to compete for the wins sooner than we know it.
Christy Valdez is a NASCAR writer for Rant Sports. Follow her on Twitter @Knowursports and on Facebook at On The Sidelines With Christy
