Denny Hamlin's jackman has surgery for torn triceps

Denny Hamlin is in a decent position to advance to the next round of NASCAR's Chase for the Sprint Cup. But if he makes it, he won't have jackman Nate Bolling.

Bolling tore his right triceps during the second pit stop of Saturday night's race at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He underwent surgery Wednesday morning in Charlotte and is expected to be ready for next season's Daytona 500.

But Hamlin's backup isn't too shabby.

Kenneth Purcell, who filled in Saturday night and will take over the role for the remainder of the season, is a veteran crew member with solid credentials. He won four championships as part of Jimmie Johnson's No. 48 team.

Hamlin just needs to finish 15th or better at Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday to lock himself in to Round 3 of the Chase.

He is vying for his first Cup title in his ninth season in NASCAR's premier series.