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AVONDALE, ARIZ. (AP) -- Denny Hamlin is racing 10 days after having surgery to repair the torn ACL in his left knee. 

The hobbled Hamlin started Saturday's race at Phoenix International Raceway. He said he expected to know within 50 laps if he'd be able to complete the entire 375 laps on the oddly shaped mile-long track where braking is often at a premium. 

Casey Mears was standing by as a relief driver if needed. Hamlin started 26th. 

Hamlin injured his knee playing basketball in January. He had hoped to put off surgery until after the season, but instead had
surgery March 31, two days after his victory at Martinsville in the last NASCAR Sprint Cup race. 

Hamlin had an ice bag draped over his left knee in the garage before getting into the car.

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