Denny Hamlin will race this Sunday at Martinsville Speedway.
Hamlin missed the race on Sunday, March 23 as he was having trouble with his vision and the medical staff would not clear him to race.
According to a press release from Joe Gibbs Racing, Hamlin visited the infield care center at Auto Club Speedway on Saturday night with an eye irritation. The issue worsened the morning of the race and medical officials could not clear him to race.
Upon further evaluation at a hospital, a sliver of metal was found in Hamlin’s eye. Doctors were able to remove the debris and Hamlin felt better immediately. Tests were completed and doctors found no other complications.
It was a small piece of metal and not the initial diagnoses of a sinus infection that was the cause of Hamlin’s medical issue on Sunday.
Hamlin was examined on Wednesday and was given clearance to drive in this Sunday’s STP 500 at Martinsville Speedway. NASCAR has received all necessary paperwork that would allow Hamlin to return to the No. 11 this weekend.
Sam Hornish, Jr. jumped into Hamlin’s car during the Auto Club Speedway on Sunday where he started at the rear of the field and drove to a 17th place finish.
Hamlin is scheduled to meet with the press in the media room of Martinsville Speedway this Friday at 2 p.m. ET.
