Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin tore the anterior cruciate ligament … A-C-L … in his right knee while playing basketball Tuesday night. The organization released a statement Wednesday saying that Hamlin is expected to race in the remaining eleven events this season, including Saturday night’s Federated Auto Parts 400 at Richmond International Raceway. Hamlin has received medical clearance necessary to continue racing activities and will undergo surgery to repair the torn A-C-L after the season ends in November.

Hamlin has qualified for this year’s post-season Chase by virtue of his win at Martinsville Speedway in late March. He’s currently eighth in the regular-season point standings … With his victory in the All-Star Race in May, Hamlin touched off a mid-season hot streak that’s seen Joe Gibbs Racing win nine of the last fifteen races. During that stretch, Kyle Busch has four victories with Carl Edwards and Matt Kenseth each winning twice.