Denny Hamlin doesn't believe torn ACL in right knee will hamper his championship chances

Denny Hamlin sits in his garage during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. Hamlin, who tore an ACL, will be racing despite his injury. (AP Photo/Chet Strange) (The Associated Press)

Denny Hamlin talks with his mechanics during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup auto race at Richmond International Raceway in Richmond, Va., Friday, Sept. 11, 2015. Hamlin, who tore an ACL, will be racing despite his injury. (AP Photo/Chet Strange) (The Associated Press)

Denny Hamlin says the torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee did not bother him during two long practice sessions Friday at Richmond International Raceway.

Hamlin was injured Tuesday night playing in his regular pickup basketball league. He said he will not miss any races because of the injury and will hold off on surgery until the offseason.

Saturday night's race at Richmond is the final event of the regular season. NASCAR's 10-race playoffs begin next.

Hamlin tore the ACL in his left knee in 2010 but had in-season surgery to repair the injury.

Hamlin said his shot with 5 seconds remaining tied the game Tuesday and he was injured during overtime. He said he plans to continue playing basketball once healed.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/denny-hamlin-doesnt-believe-torn-acl-in-right-knee-will-hamper-his-championship-chances