Hamlin released from hospital day after hard wreck

TALLADEGA, Ala. -- Denny Hamlin was released from a hospital Monday, a day after a tire failure led to a hard crash at Talladega Superspeedway.

Hamlin was kept overnight for observation at a Birmingham hospital after his car slammed into a wall. He was alert and awake when he was transported to the UAB Medical Center on Sunday, but was complaining of a headache and possibly had a concussion. He was also favoring his right foot after a slow exit from his crumpled car.

Hamlin, one of 12 drivers racing for the Sprint Cup title, was leading midway through the race when his right front tire failed and his Toyota shot into the outside wall. He said nothing over his in-car radio after the hit and took several moments to get out of the car.

Hamlin was 39th in the race and fell to 12th in the Chase standings.