NASCAR: Hamlin cleared to return to racing

Denny Hamlin will return to racing at Martinsville this weekend after NASCAR received medical clearance from the Joe Gibbs Racing driver's doctors.

Hamlin was sidelined on the eve of last weekend's Cup race at Fontana with an eye irritation. The track's onsite medical team determined that the problem was caused by a sinus infection; however, a later evaluation at a local hospital also revealed that a small piece of metal was stuck in his eye.

According to a team statement, Hamlin felt an immediate improvement to his condition when the sliver was removed, and a CT scan did not detect any further complications. Final medical clearance came after a follow-up check on Wednesday after he had returned home to Charlotte.

Sam Hornish was given a last-minute call-up to stand in for Hamlin last weekend (TOP), bringing the No. 11 entry across the line in 17th place.