Denny Hamlin reveals reinjured shoulder after father's death

Denny Hamlin said he reinjured his surgically repaired right shoulder and plans to race this season before having surgery in the offseason; his father died after a December house fire and his mother is recovering.

Denny Hamlin said Wednesday he reinjured the right shoulder that had surgery in 2024 and will try to race through the season before scheduling a procedure in the offseason. He estimated surgery now would keep him out of the car for three to four months. The offseason also included a December house fire at his parents' home that left his father injured and later pronounced dead, while his mother is recovering. Hamlin said the recent months have been emotionally and professionally challenging. Key details: - Hamlin reinjured his surgically repaired right shoulder and plans to manage it during the season, postponing surgery until the offseason; he estimated a three- to four-month recovery if operated on now. - A December house fire at his parents' home resulted in injuries to his father, Dennis, who died the next day; his mother, Mary Lou, was critically injured and is reported to be recovering and visiting relatives in Florida. - Hamlin noted a difficult offseason that included a near-miss in last November's championship and participation in a legal dispute involving his team that reached settlement terms in December. - He prepared to race at Bowman Gray Stadium for the season-opening Clash exhibition after limited time in his team shop this offseason. Summary: Hamlin intends to race this season while managing the reinjured shoulder and to have surgery after the season concludes. His mother is reported to be recovering and his family is continuing to process the loss. Undetermined at this time.