Joe Gibbs Racing No.11, Denny Hamlin had a perfect start to his 2024 Cup Series with a win at the Busch Light Clash event. Hamlin got into the race fresh off his shoulder surgery from last year and wasn’t sure if he would be fit for the exhibition race. However, against all odds, the 43-year-old was crowned the winner in what was a preponed NASCAR event at the L.A. Coliseum.

Driving the No.11 Toyota Camry XSE, Hamlin started the race from the pole position and even led 59 of 151 laps. Joey Logano and Tyler Reddick swapped the lead and were locked in a tussle. Hamlin also found his momentum late in the race and was right behind the duo. It was the restart just before the final 10 laps which saw Hamlin take the lead and hold it till the end of the race.

Hamlin hoping to be “nice and strong” ahead of the Daytona clash

There was a risk factor involved with his move to get behind the wheel before the Daytona 500 clash. Luckily for him, the rewards outweighed the risk, at least in this instance. Moreover, this event helped the driver realize his potential and wiggle room to work his recovering shoulder for the upcoming challenges, and he felt up and ready for them.

During the post-race interview, Denny Hamlin was asked for an update about his shoulder by journalist Bob Pockrass. Painting a hopeful picture, the driver noted, “I appreciate your concern. It is very good. We knew that this race was going to fatigue it a little bit. Adrenaline is such a factor. Like last year, even though it was really, really bad, once you get in the car, it’s a lot different.”

Hamlin added, “But overall it feels better than I thought it would, considering how far you have to crank the wheel at this racetrack. But the race is just short enough to fatigue it a little bit. So when I get to Daytona, I’ll be nice and strong.” Winning sure helps ease the pain for Hamlin’s but the veteran racer feels like aches and pain will persist for some time as a part of the healing process.

The Busch Light Clash was a good tester for Hamlin and his team in getting an idea about his shoulder strength. A test that he passed with flying colors and a victory.

Shoulder recovery will not halt progress or plans for Hamlin’s 11-team

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Ever since his shoulder surgery last year in November, Hamlin was racing against time to feature at the Busch Light Clash 2024. He was advised a 3-month rest for his shoulder to heal completely. The exhibition event at the Coliseum was his objective, and he did what he could to prepare for the event. Primarily he restricted his seat to just simulators and by the looks of the results, it all worked out pretty well for him. Moreover, he also spoke about how his shoulder recovery won’t be a hindrance to his team’s plans for the 2024 Cup Series season.

Read More: “I Beat Your Favorite Driver Again!” – Denny Hamlin Met With Fans Cheers as He Steals First Clash at the Coliseum Title 

“It feels good to me now. I certainly can feel now I kind of let things go. It’s aching and what not but like that’s very normal. I mean when I do PT it aches the next day as well. So it’s all just part of getting better and stronger. I found out while running the sim that this race was far more strenuous than a Las Vegas or a Daytona. So I think that we’ve kind of passed the test that we’re going to be good to go to start the season and it’s not going to be a factor for the 11 car,” Hamlin said.

With the first win of the season, Denny Hamlin and his team will now be eager to continue on this good start with their next challenge at the Daytona 500. Do you think they will be able to keep up the momentum?

Watch This Story – Denny Hamlin Triumphs In His First Clash At The Coliseum, Eliciting Cheers From Fans