Sinus infection, vision problems force Hamlin to sideline

FONTANA, CALIF. Denny Hamlin was released from a local hospital Sunday night after having tests for a sinus infection that affected his vision.

Joe Gibbs Racing said in a statement Hamlin would be further evaluated this week in Charlotte after missing Sunday’s Auto Club 400 because of illness.

The decision for Hamlin to skip the race was made 70 minutes before the green flag, when it was determined Hamlin couldn’t see well enough to drive. Sam Hornish Jr., who was in Fontana on standby for expectant father Matt Kenseth, replaced Hamlin and finished 17th.

Hornish said he drove 400 miles hunched over — his shoulders were wider than the dimensions of Hamlin’s seat — and fought arm cramps with a steering wheel too close to his chest.

Hamlin expressed some concerns about his vision in relation to the sinus infection, Joe Gibbs Racing President J.D. Gibbs said before the race. NASCAR didn’t medically clear Hamlin to race within 45 minutes of the start time, and he was transported to a hospital. Doctors also advised Hamlin he should not drive.

This is the second year in a row Hamlin has had to make a trip to a hospital in Southern California. Last year, he broke his back in a last-lap crash with Joey Logano.

Hamlin tweeted: “So disappointed that I can’t compete today. Sorry to all my fans. Thought we had a car that could win today. Good luck to @SamHornish.”