Surgery Leaves Denny Hamlin Questionable For Start Of 2024 NASCAR Season

Complicated Surgery Leads to Uncertain Recovery

Denny Hamlin, a 51-time winner in the NASCAR Cup Series, recently underwent shoulder surgery that turned out to be more extensive than expected. The surgery, initially intended to fix a bone spur, became complicated when Hamlin tore two tendons in his shoulder.

Hamlin sustained the injuries while participating in a sporting event away from the track, just a week before the October Las Vegas race. The torn tendons, coupled with the bone spur, led to a more complicated and lengthy recovery process than initially anticipated.

As a result, Hamlin's participation in the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum, which is scheduled two weeks before the Daytona 500, is now questionable. The 43-year-old driver admits that he is still far from where he needs to be in terms of recovery.

Altered Offseason Plans for Hamlin

The extensive surgery and prolonged recovery period have forced Hamlin to alter his offseason plans. He originally intended to work on tracks where he has had average performances, but his inability to use a simulator means that is no longer possible.

Hamlin stated, 'It just changes some things, and probably the first laps on track will be whatever we do in February.' He also mentioned that loading it for three months, as advised by doctors, does not align with his needs and expectations.

The NASCAR veteran believes that if he was able to withstand the pain and challenges of the last five races of the previous season, he should be able to get back behind the wheel sooner than anticipated. Despite the setback, Hamlin remains determined to challenge himself and return to racing as soon as possible.

The Origin and Impact of Hamlin's Shoulder Issue

This recent surgery is not Hamlin's first encounter with a bone spur in his shoulder. He had previously undergone surgery to fix a bone spur in his left shoulder three years ago.

However, the situation became more complicated when he tore two tendons in the same shoulder. The events leading up to the October Las Vegas race, including an off-track sporting event where the tendons were torn, worsened the condition.

Hamlin suffered through the pain for the remainder of the season, with the injury hindering his performance on the race track. The situation became especially difficult during the last five to six races, affecting his ability to maneuver the car and reach certain controls.

Despite the challenges and the disappointment of waking up with a three-month recovery period ahead of him, Hamlin remains optimistic and determined to regain full strength in his shoulder.