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Sports

Denny Hamlin doesn't plan to have a relief driver on standby at Darlington

Associated Press
Published | Updated
81276efc-NASCAR Talladega Auto Racing

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series driver Denny Hamlin, left, talks with pit crew members after he was relieved by driver Brian Vickers on the first caution during the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Aaron's 499 auto race at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., Sunday, May 5, 2013. (AP Photo/Jay Sailors) (The Associated Press)

DARLINGTON, S.C. – Denny Hamlin has no doubt he'll stay in the car for the entire Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

Hamlin turned 23 laps last week at Talladega before turning the car over to relief driver Brian Vickers. It was Hamlin's first race since suffering a compression fracture in a vertebra in his lower back.

Hamlin has no plans to have a driver on standby Saturday night.

He got his first real workout Friday in two practice sessions. Hamlin said he stayed in the car for 90 minutes during the first practice, which convinced him he's ready for a full race.

Hamlin is determined to qualify for the Chase for the Sprint Cup championship. He's currently 31st in the standings, but only 76 points out of 20th place.