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| Hamlin unhappy with speculation |
Denny Hamlin explained today why the ailment that sidelined him from last Sunday’s race at Auto Club Speedway took so long to clarify.
In short, it’s none of your business.
A defiant Hamlin took aim at rampant internet and garage-area gossip mongers today, telling reports that, “My health is my business.’’
Joe Gibbs Racing announced Sunday that the Fed Ex Toyota driver would not compete in the Auto Club 400 due to sinus-related vision problems. After four days of uninformed and sometimes malicious speculation, JGR revealed this week that Hamlin’s malady was no more serious than a sliver of metal in his eye.
Hamlin said the metal was removed from his eye on Monday, but that rust surrounding the wound could not be extracted until it hardened two days later.
“I didn’t want to be speaking out of line and not know exactly what I’m talking about,’’ said Hamlin. “We didn’t know until Wednesday. I don’t need to justify a lot to a lot of people. The important people are NASCAR and my team guys.
“My health is my business.’’
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| Hamlin is a former Martinsville winner |
Hamlin then lambasted rumors that his absence from last Sunday’s race was due to a more serious medical condition, or even drugs.
“People who think negatively of me, or think we sidestepped (a) drug test is ridiculous,” he said. “I’m in one of the top three cars. I would have to be an absolute moron... to risk that. I have a daughter I have to provide for, for a long time. For people to question who I am -- inside and outside the race car -- I’ve never done anything to put that in question.”
Hamlin said that while he is a public personality, he does not deserve the sort of harmful scrutiny he received this week.
“I go to Bobcat games,” he said. “I go out and hang out with friends in public. I don’t stay tucked in my motorhome (and) I don’t stay tucked into my house. It’s not what I like to do. Because I’m out there a little bit, people think I go out and I party.
“I don’t drink hardly at all (and) I’ve never done drugs. I’m as clean as they come. I don’t know why people question who I am outside the racetrack, because I worked too hard to get here… to throw it all away.
“If anyone has any questions about that, they can ask me directly.”
He then threw down a bold prediction for Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway, saying, “I’m going to win it this weekend. I promise you that.’’
