Joe Gibbs Racing announced Denny Hamlin will not compete in this weekends NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Darlington. Christopher Bell will drive the No.18 Toyota Supra.
Hamlin will compete in this Sunday’s Southern 500 at Darlington, where he is the defending race winner.
“I have had some soreness in my neck, back, and hips from the wreck on Sunday,” said Hamlin, “I feel like the right thing for me to do is to sit out the Xfinity Series race and put 100 percent of my focus on getting ready for this weekend’s Cup Series playoff race.”
Bell will also compete in the playoffs opener at Darlington. With one win and seven top-5’s, he is seeded 10th on the playoff grid.