"I couldn't breathe at all": When Denny Hamlin revealed the extent of his injury following wreck with Joey Logano in 2013

During the race at Auto Club Speedway in 2013, Denny Hamlin suffered a massive injury. This was because of a violent wreck, in which his racecar hit the wall head-on after making contact with Joey Logano on the last lap as the two battled for the win.

Hamlin, although, seemed unharmed at first, later learned that he had suffered a fractured L1 vertebra. Because of this, he had to seek urgent medical attention, following which he revealed the extent of his injury.

"The position I was in, I couldn't breathe at all. I'm still having a hard time breathing. Literally, when I felt a pop, I couldn't move at all and I knew I had to get flat to my back to be able to breathe again. That's why I rushed out and just laid flat on the ground to start breathing again," Hamlin said.

The JGR driver remarked that he had to sit 100% straight because if he didn't, he had difficulty breathing. Hamlin further opened up about visiting a doctor, following which he said he'd decide if he'd go for surgery or 'stick with a brace and let it heal itself.'

But either way, for Denny Hamlin, both of those options would take a lot of time.

Denny Hamlin missed out on a considerable number of races because of his injury in 2013

After his accident at Auto Club Speedway, Denny Hamlin consulted Dr. Jerry Petty who advised the driver to not opt for surgery. However, Hamlin was forced out of racing action for six weeks.

Speaking about his absence because of his injury, Hamlin said:

"If me getting back in a car was based on pain tolerance, then I would be in the car next week. There's just more to it that I can't control."

Hamlin further shared that his communication with Joey Logano, the driver with which he made contact on the last lap that led to the wreck, 'didn't go well.' The #11 driver mentioned that the conversation was 'short and unproductive.'

Roger Penske shared his thoughts and spared his consideration for the injured driver. The Team Penske boss said he and Hamlin had back-and-forth texting, and that everyone at his organization is thinking about the JGR driver. Penske added that they're hoping Hamlin has 'a speedy recovery' considering it's never good for a driver to be out for a long period of time.

With Denny Hamlin out, JGR announced that Mark Martin would take up the place of the #11 driver until his recovery. Hamlin remained out for the race at Martinsville, Texas, Kansas, and Richmond.

And upon his return to the driver's seat at Talladega, Hamlin finished in 34th place. But in the next two races, Denny Hamlin found his groove and registered two back-to-back top 5s at Darlington and Charlotte.