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Black Mountain Today
By the People, for the People
NASCAR's Off-Week Brings Relief for Banged-Up Field
Keselowski, Hamlin heal while injured crew chief Zipadelli returns at Rockingham
Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:58am
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A cubist interpretation of the physical toll and resilience of NASCAR drivers and crew chiefs as they recover from injuries and return to competition.Black Mountain TodayNASCAR's Cup Series enjoyed an off-weekend, allowing more healing time for injured drivers Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin. Meanwhile, crew chief Scott Zipadelli, who suffered severe leg injuries in a dirt bike crash, returned to the track for the Craftsman Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway.
Why it matters
The off-week provided crucial recovery time for several key NASCAR figures dealing with injuries, highlighting the physical toll of the sport and the importance of proper healing before returning to competition. Zipadelli's return also showcases the dedication of crew chiefs and the team's ability to adapt when faced with adversity.
The details
Keselowski, who broke his leg in December, and Hamlin, who reinjured his right shoulder in the off-season, used the break to focus on their recoveries. Keselowski still walks with a cane but is able to get by without it at the track. Hamlin, who had shoulder surgery at the end of 2023, said the Darlington race weekend 'wore me down pretty good' but believes he'll be fine for the rest of the season. Zipadelli, the crew chief for Kaden Honeycutt, suffered severe leg injuries in a dirt bike crash five days before the season opener at Daytona. He has been working remotely from Mooresville, North Carolina, and returned to the track for the Craftsman Truck Series race at Rockingham, where Honeycutt finished second to Corey Heim.
- Keselowski broke his leg in December 2025.
- Hamlin reinjured his right shoulder in the off-season prior to the 2026 season.
- Zipadelli suffered his injuries five days before the 2026 season opener at Daytona.
- Zipadelli returned to the track for the Craftsman Truck Series race at Rockingham Speedway on April 7, 2026.
The players
Brad Keselowski
A NASCAR Cup Series driver who broke his leg in December 2025 and is still recovering.
Denny Hamlin
A NASCAR Cup Series driver who reinjured his right shoulder in the off-season prior to the 2026 season.
Scott Zipadelli
The crew chief for Kaden Honeycutt who suffered severe leg injuries in a dirt bike crash five days before the 2026 season opener at Daytona.
Kaden Honeycutt
A NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver whose crew chief, Scott Zipadelli, was injured and returned to the track at Rockingham.
Corey Heim
The defending Craftsman Truck Series champion who won the race at Rockingham, edging out Kaden Honeycutt.
What they’re saying
“It's just really exhausting being on crutches all day, and my body's trying to heal and I'm trying to work and do too much. By the end of the day, I'm just completely exhausted.”
— Scott Zipadelli, Crew Chief
“When I'm walking short distances, I don't use it at the race track. There's the crowds and things that are around me. It would make it really hard for me.”
— Brad Keselowski, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
“It's been a while since I've been that wore down after a race, and I certainly felt it in the shoulder. But I feel like if it stays on this pace, I'll be fine for the end of the year.”
— Denny Hamlin, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
What’s next
Goodyear has scheduled an April 21 tire test for Chicagoland Speedway involving six drivers, three from the Cup and three from the O'Reilly Auto Parts series. This will be the first time drivers have been on the 1.5-mile track in Joliet, Illinois, since 2019.
The takeaway
The off-week provided much-needed recovery time for several injured NASCAR drivers and crew chiefs, highlighting the physical toll of the sport and the importance of proper healing before returning to competition. The resilience and adaptability of these figures, like Zipadelli, to overcome adversity and continue competing is a testament to their dedication to the sport.