Denny Hamlin is scheduled to race both the Busch and Cup events this weekend. Credit: Autostock

Hamlin injures hand but OK for weekend's events

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin injured his left hand in an off-track accident Wednesday night following the conclusion of testing at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, N.C.

The driver of the No. 20 Chevrolet in the Busch Series and the No. 11 Chevrolet in the Nextel Cup Series cut his left hand between his pinkie and his wrist. He was taken from the track via ambulance and was treated at a local hospital where he received stitches.

Hamlin is expected to participate in all of this weekend's racing activities at Richmond International Raceway based upon the evaluations of Joe Gibbs Racing's team physicians.

"The guys were having races around the hauler after the test," Hamlin said. "I thought I'd try for the best lap of the night, and as I was running around the front of the truck, I caught my hand on a sharp piece of chrome. I got all stitched up and I'll be fine to race this weekend.

"By the way, I did finish first. Hopefully Coach [Joe] Gibbs will be impressed that I can play 'hurt.'"