Hamlin cleared to race

Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 9--MOTORSPORTS NOTEBOOK: Denny Hamlin is cleared to race this weekend at Lowe's Motor Speedway, but he will skip Friday night's Nationwide Series race. Hamlin suffered a concussion Sunday when tire failure sent his Toyota across the track and into a wall at Talladega Superspeedway. He was taken to the University of Alabama-Birmingham Medical Center, kept for observation and released the next day. After returning to North Carolina, Hamlin met with NASCAR's consulting physician, Dr. Jerry Petty, and was given the OK to return to competition. "It was definitely the hardest hit I have ever taken in a race car," Hamlin said in a statement. "It was good to get home, get some rest and take it easy this week. I am feeling better everyday and look forward to getting back in the car this weekend."... [read full story]