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| Hamlin unhappy with speculation |
Denny Hamlin explained today why the
ailment that sidelined him from last Sunday’s race at Auto Club Speedway took so
long to clarify.
In short, it’s none of your
business.
A defiant Hamlin took aim at rampant
internet and garage-area gossip mongers today, telling reports that, “My health
is my business.’’
Joe Gibbs Racing announced Sunday
that the Fed Ex Toyota driver would not compete in the Auto Club 400 due to sinus-related
vision problems. After four days of uninformed and sometimes malicious
speculation, JGR revealed this week that Hamlin’s malady was no more serious
than a sliver of metal in his eye.
Hamlin said the metal was removed
from his eye on Monday, but that rust surrounding the wound could not be
extracted until it hardened two days later.
“I didn’t want to be speaking out of
line and not know exactly what I’m talking about,’’ said Hamlin. “We didn’t
know until Wednesday. I don’t need to justify a lot to a lot of people. The
important people are NASCAR and my team guys.
“My health is my business.’’
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| Hamlin is a former Martinsville winner |
Hamlin then lambasted rumors that
his absence from last Sunday’s race was due to a more serious medical
condition, or even drugs.
“People who think negatively of me,
or think we sidestepped (a) drug test is ridiculous,” he said. “I’m in one of
the top three cars. I would have to be an absolute moron... to risk that. I
have a daughter I have to provide for, for a long time. For people to question
who I am -- inside and outside the race car -- I’ve never done anything to put
that in question.”
Hamlin said that while he is a
public personality, he does not deserve the sort of harmful scrutiny he
received this week.
“I go to Bobcat games,” he said. “I
go out and hang out with friends in public. I don’t stay tucked in my motorhome
(and) I don’t stay tucked into my house. It’s not what I like to do. Because
I’m out there a little bit, people think I go out and I party.
“I don’t drink hardly at all (and) I’ve
never done drugs. I’m as clean as they come. I don’t know why people
question who I am outside the racetrack, because I worked too hard to get here…
to throw it all away.
“If anyone has any questions about that,
they can ask me directly.”
He then threw down a bold prediction
for Sunday’s race at Martinsville Speedway, saying, “I’m going to win it this
weekend. I promise you that.’’
How do we, as fans, get the right to demand to know his health status? We don't. It is none of our business. Other drivers in NASCAR, yes, fans, NO! I have a personal question for the Dinger but, I never ask it as it's none of my DAMN business!
ReplyDeleteHis health is nobody's business but when it comes to his sight I can understand why the drivers are concerned because he will be on the racetrack with 42 of them
ReplyDeleteI don't think the other drivers were the source of the chatter and speculation.
DeleteSounds like someone just poked the bear. Great for the fans. Not so good for the competition. I believe Denny... including the part where he promises a win. Amen brother!!
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of his but he is right to some point but he always seems to have a crappy attitude and doesn't handle himself well with stress or when things start to fall apart with the team and they always seem too no matter how well they run for awhile.
ReplyDeleteA lot of the speculation and rumors could have been slowed (never stopped, unfortunately) if the information about the sliver of metal had been shared on Monday when it was removed.
ReplyDeleteIt's just difficult trying to imagine the metal in his eye let alone rust forming...ick
ReplyDelete