Denny Hamlin (back fracture) cleared to race at Talladega

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Denny Hamlin received medical clearance Thursday to return this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway. Hamlin has missed four races after

SI Staff | May 3, 2013

Denny Hamlin (back fracture) cleared to race at Talladega /

Denny Hamlin has missed the last four races with a compression fracture in his lower back. — Denny Hamlin has missed the last four races with a compression fracture in his lower back :: Reed Saxon/AP

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Denny Hamlin received medical clearance Thursday to return this weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

Hamlin has missed four races after sustaining a compression fracture of a vertebra in his lower back in a last-lap accident at California on March 24.

"Don't call it a comeback - LL cool J," Hamlin tweeted.

Joe Gibbs Racing said exact plans will be determined at the track. Hamlin could start the No. 11 Toyota, then give way to a relief driver.

"Welcome back Denny!" NASCAR tweeted.

Mark Martin took Hamlin's place in the No. 11 car at Martinsville, and Brian Vickers drove at Texas, Kansas and Richmond.

Published May 3, 2013

SI STAFF