Denny Hamlin will not race in Auto Club 400 due to sinus infection

Denny Hamlin is currently in 7th place in the Sprint Series standings. (Todd Warshaw/Getty Images)

Joe Gibbs Racing has announced that Denny Hamlin will not race in Sunday's Auto Club 400 race due to a sinus infection that has affected his vision.

Hamlin's car has already qualified for Sunday's contest so the missed start will not damage the drivers Sprint cup eligibility, according to Bob Pockrass of The Sporting News.

The No. 11 car will be driven by Sam Hornish Jr., who has raced for the team in some Nationwide Series events this year.

Hamlin has expressed his regrets via Twitter for being unable to compete today, saying he had believes the car was fast enough to win this weekend.