Denny Hamlin Shoulder Surgery: NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin recently underwent a successful arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder, with an expectation to be fully prepared for the upcoming 2024 NASCAR Cup Series season.
This news comes shortly after Chase Elliott from Hendrick Motorsports also disclosed his recent right shoulder surgery to address a prior injury. Similarly, Denny Hamlin, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, underwent a shoulder procedure, marking the second time in four years he’s had such an operation at the close of a NASCAR Cup Series season. The recent surgery was specifically an arthroscopic procedure and has reportedly been successful.
Previously, Hamlin had undergone surgery for a torn labrum in his right shoulder after the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series season. Impressively, he made a full recovery for the 2020 season, demonstrating his resilience by winning the season-opening Daytona 500 for the second consecutive year and the third time in four years.
Joining Hamlin and Elliott in having offseason shoulder surgeries, Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing had a similar procedure between the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Wallace, like his counterparts, managed to recover well and was ready for the 2022 season opener.
Elliott highlighted the strategic timing of these operations during the roughly three-month offseason, citing it as an opportune period for necessary surgeries to address lingering injuries.
Looking ahead, the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series is slated to kick off with the preseason Busch Light Clash exhibition race at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Sunday, February 4. The main series of 36 points races will commence on Sunday, February 18 with the celebrated 66th annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, both of which will be covered live by Fox.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why did Denny Hamlin have surgery?
According to Hamlin, he underwent surgery to fix a bone spur in his left shoulder three years ago. However, his recent surgery was supposed to be for the same issue but turned out to be more complicated. He ended up tearing two tendons in his shoulder just a week before the Las Vegas race in October.
What happened to Chase Elliott’s shoulder?
Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that the 27-year-old driver underwent an outpatient procedure on Wednesday to correct a torn labrum. The team revealed that the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series champion had been experiencing chronic shoulder pain in recent years, leading to an MRI on Monday. With the procedure now complete, the driver can look forward to a smoother and more comfortable racing experience.
How many races has Denny Hamlin won?
With 51 victories under his belt, this seasoned driver has proven himself time and time again. He’s dominated some of the biggest races in the sport, including the Coca-Cola 600 in 2022, the Daytona 500 in 2016, 2019, and 2020, and the Southern 500 in 2010, 2017, and 2021. As he heads into his 17th full season in 2023, there’s no doubt that he’ll continue to be a force to be reckoned with on the track.
