Denny Hamlin won't race at Fontana due to a sinus infection; Sam Hornish Jr. replaces him

FONTANA, Calif. – Denny Hamlin will miss Sunday's NASCAR race at Fontana due to a sinus infection.

Hamlin was ruled out of his Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota about 30 minutes before the start at the track where he crashed on the final lap of last year's race.

Sam Hornish Jr. will replace Hamlin, team President J.D. Gibbs says. Hornish was already at Fontana because Matt Kenseth's wife was due to have their next child.

Gibbs says Hamlin worried his sinus infection would affect his vision and his ability to drive. Hamlin was headed to a local hospital for a scan on the advice of a doctor who decided he wasn't fit to drive.

Hamlin was eager to race at Fontana after being airlifted from the track last year with a broken vertebra.