Hamilton may miss three to six weeks, doctors say

RICHMOND, Va. -- Even while standing outside the No. 55 Chevrolet hauler of Andy Petree Racing with a his left forearm in a cast and his right shoulder in a sling, Bobby Hamilton is optimistic about his future.

	Bobby Hamilton Credit: Autostock

The injury was the result of a last-lap accident in Thursday night's NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Richmond International Raceway. Doctors said the arm injuries would keep him out of his Winston Cup ride for three to six weeks. Hamilton, prepared to strictly adhere to doctor's orders, believes that he may heal much faster than anticipated.

Returning to the track some 12 hours after being released from the hospital, Hamilton said he felt pretty good -- regarding the injuries and where he will drive next year.

"I feel pretty good right, actually," Hamilton said. "I have some places that do hurt, like my left leg. But what is normal for me is that I feel the most pain two days later.

"Naturally, they (doctors) have me on some pretty good drugs. I slept through one term of them last night and didn't have to take any. That was the first night and they said it was going to be my hardest night.

"I got back on the motorcoach about 3 a.m. last night and made me a ham, tomato and pickle sandwich and then slept until 11 a.m. this morning."

Anticipation has been building around Hamilton since he announced he wouldn't be returning to APR next year. Speculation earlier this year had him signing with Petty Enterprises and Wood Bros. Racing for 2003.

But Hamilton said that he's had serious conversations with some other owners for next season.

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"My biggest concern right now is to keeping that car (No. 55 Chevy) up in the owner's points," Hamilton said. "I just want the race team to get the best of whatever they can so Andy will have something good for next year.

"For myself, I've been talking to three owners that I'm real interested in. Actually, there's been a lot of stuff going on this year and it's got a lot of people all riled up so early.

"It's still early for me and for a lot of owners. So, Ricky Rudd was the start of the domino and we'll just wait and see what happens.

"I'm not real worried about it. I'm competitive, can still run up front and still win races."

Will Hamilton jump back into his No. 4 Dodge Ram once he's healed? The question was answered quickly and sternly.

"I won't be running my truck again," Hamilton said. "Not because I don't want to, but because my wife (Debbie) told me I couldn't. That came down right over here in the infield care center last night.

"I walked in and told her I was sorry and she says, 'You're damn right you're sorry." You know, she just don't let up."