There have been plenty of offseason changes for Denny Hamlin, from his engagement to Jordan Fish to undergoing a shoulder procedure.
Hamlin still has some doubts about racing in the Busch Light Clash on Feb. 4, which would only be four months removed from the arthroscopic surgery he had on his right shoulder.
On Nov. 30, Hamlin appeared on the "Dale Jr. Download" podcast and cast some doubt about his potential to be ready for the Clash, at the LA Coliseum.
Hamlin has since changed his tune a bit. During this week's NASCAR Production Day event at the Charlotte Convention Center, he spoke with NBC Sports.
"It's something that you can't shortcut," Hamlin said. "The recovery is what it is. I knew that I was in for three months (recovery) when I got out (of surgery), and there's just no way to shortcut it. Am I going to be 100 percent (at the start of the season)? No. That's not until probably March or April that I'll be 100 percent. But I certainly will be better to start this year than I ended last year."
The now-43-year-old had a similar procedure done in the past; but being at the age he is now, the recovery has likely been tougher. Hamlin did admit he finally got back into the simulator this week, which is his first time being behind the wheel in 2024.
"I'm doing everything that I can to get ready. I'm back in the simulator, and I drive until I get fatigued and then we stop. So, we're starting to work up my workload now to try to train and prepare for (the season)," Hamlin said. "I'm pointed toward running in the Clash as far as we know. ... We're going to continue to push and see how far I can go. We thought that actually the Clash might be a good opportunity to go ahead and if I'm going to get fatigued, do it then. That way I'm strong in two weeks (at Daytona)."
Hopefully, everything works out, and the fans and NASCAR get the fiery and hungry Denny Hamlin that gets everyone talking.
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