NASCAR star Denny Hamlin remains determined to fulfil his promise to Joe Gibbs and his team despite suffering a family tragedy during the offseason.
In December, the NASCAR community was shocked once again when Hamlin's parents suffered a house fire at their home in North Carolina.
Both of his parents - father Dennis and mother Mary Lou - sustained what were described by officials as 'catastrophic injuries' as they escaped the house, and unfortunately, Dennis later succumbed to those injuries in hospital.
Mary Lou is continuing to recover, with Hamlin confirming that whilst she is still having good and bad days, she is getting better.
Hamlin made those comments and others at a NASCAR media day, where he was also quizzed on the future of his career.
NASCAR TODAY: Kyle Busch lawsuit heats up and Brad Keselowski shares recovery update
Denny Hamlin: I made a promise
Speaking to FOX Sports' Bob Pockrass, Hamlin was asked if, given everything that had happened, he had considered not racing.
"I’ve considered all options," Hamlin said. "I made a promise to Joe and the Gibbs family."
Hamlin is likely talking about the new deal he signed at Joe Gibbs Racing last season that sees him tied to the team through 2027.
However, whilst he is set to race, he admits he is not yet locked in for the season, although he will be glad to get back into the swing of things.
"I don't think [it will be difficult to race] so. I think that once I get in the swing of it, it'll actually be good to get back to it.
"I just haven't locked in for the season, necessarily, quite yet."
Later in the interview, the 60-time Cup Series winner added: "Those guys [at Joe Gibbs Racing] have been working and preparing and whatnot.
"I'll be obviously a little bit behind, but I feel like I can catch up pretty quickly."
READ MORE: NASCAR Cup Series teams unveil Greg Biffle car tributes
