HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- Denny Hamlin walked into the room looking like his usual self, wearing a black polo adorned with sponsor logos and a pair of blue jeans. When he sat down, though, he did so gingerly, bracing himself on the arm of the chair as he lowered himself into the seat. And then there was the brace wrapped around his midsection, the bulk of which was visible beneath his shirt.
