One week ago, NASCAR star Denny Hamlin spoke candidly about his desire to win the Sprint Cup Series championship this year.

“Last year the quote was that I said I didn’t want to be a contender anymore, I wanted to be a champion. I was sick of having expectations and no results to back it up. I think that we did that this year, we just didn’t have the reliability to win the championship. That’s the bottom line. We just didn’t have the parts and pieces right. I think we know how to win a championship, I know how to win a championship, now it just has to be executed,” Hamlin explained.

On top of the know how, he said he has the most desire to follow through.

“I don’t think anyone else in the garage wants it as much as I do.”

Some are now questioning his determination.

After hinting at the injury with tweets on Saturday saying, “I will not be participating in skills challenge tonight at Bobcats game. Unfortunately knee issues is keeping me out of this one. Sorry guys.” The news was made public that he had torn his left ACL playing basketball on Friday.

He had surgery in December to repair a meniscus tear in his right knee. He will not have surgery to repair this new injury until the 2010 season ends making for a long, painful year behind the wheel.

But, Hamlin has adamantly rejected the idea that he injury will affect his driving and his will to win the championship.

In a trio of tweets posted early this morning, Hamlin seemed quite frustrated at those who are doubting him.

“I’m going to bed on this note,” he wrote. “No matter what people may think this injury will not stop me from being a contender this year. I have always been very active outside of racing, mostly to stay in shape. This is a minor setback that will only serve as motivation for me. Like I said before..nobody wants it as bad as me.. PERIOD.”

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