Overview
- Hamlin said he re-tore his previously repaired right-shoulder labrum in a fall while sorting debris at his parents' burned home in late December.
- He confirmed the injury at a pre-Clash media session and said he will compete in The Clash and the full Cup schedule without in-season surgery.
- Surgery is planned for the week after the season ends, with rehab deferred as he focuses on maintaining strength and range to get through the year.
- Hamlin said he will scale back non-racing activities that aggravate the joint, calling the tear 'kind of hanging on' and manageable with care.
- He reported his mother is recovering in Florida and described a taxing offseason that included his father's death, a title loss, and an antitrust case settlement.