Denny Hamlin tore a knee ligament. NASCAR fans are freaking. I say, "Get over it."

While my editor recently joked on this site, “Hamlin tears ACL; Johnson awarded 2010 Sprint Cup title,” I think Hamlin’s injury is actually a good thing. Here are a few reasons why:

A NASCAR driver is officially an athlete
Hamlin tore up his knee playing basketball. That requires actual athleticism. You actually have to display lateral quickness and hops to be in a position to tear that ligament. This is a kidney punch to the “Drivers aren’t athletes” debate. Plus, he gets to sit at home and be cared for by his lovely lady friend.

Compare that to the guy Hamlin is trying to catch. Jimmie Johnson broke his hand in a golf cart accident.  I don’t know how that happens either, but Mr. HBO accounted for himself quite nicely since the mishap. Hamlin will be OK.

Then there’s Carl Edwards. He broke a foot playing frisbee. The ball is on the tee. Swing away with your own jokes people.

The Denny Hamlin-Brad Keselowski feud will only get better
Here’s the history. Now that Brian France is going Vince McMahon on NASCAR, imagine the possibilities. Keselowski can come in with a quick chair shot to Hamlin’s good leg and run away like the bad guy. Hamlin can chase Keselowski with his one good wheel, hoist his crutch like a javelin and knock his nemesis senseless.  This injury leads to my ultimate dream of a UFC inspired cage match for charity. It’s going down.

Hamlin’s injury gives me an excuse to post mascot injury videos
You’re welcome.